POLICE claim plans to open a snooker club until 4am every day would lead to an increase in crime and disorder.

Mixa Ltd, the owner of Castle Snooker Club on Tower Street in York, has applied to extend its opening hours to 9am to 4am each day.

Alcohol would be sold from 11am to 3am Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 12.30am on Sundays.

Five letters of support have been sent to City of York Council from people living and working near to the premises, but North Yorkshire Police have objected.

Licensing officer PC Mike Welsh said: "The police feel that these changes will significantly alter the character of the premises, creating yet another city centre pub offering late night drinking.

"This will only serve to concentrate more young people in the area and this, in turn, will lead to an increase in crime and disorder and public nuisance."

The application has also attracted 12 letters of complaint from residents.

The council's licensing committee will discuss the application on Thursday.