A BID for a hot food takeaway to serve food until 5am has been knocked back over crime fears.

Earlier this year, Golden Pizza on Front Street, in Consett, lodged a bid with Durham County Council to vary its licence.

This included late night refreshment from Monday to Wednesday, 11pm-1am and Thursday to Sunday 11pm-5am.

Following an objection from Durham Constabulary, the case was brought before licensing bosses at county hall on Tuesday.

Police raised fears the late opening times could worsen  issues with late night drinking and crime in Consett.

In a representation to the licensing hearing, police said there had been 63 offences of assault in Front Street, Consett between November 1, 2018 and July 16, 2019.

Of these offences, the greatest proportion happened between 7pm-4am with a large number tagged with a “alcohol marker” – one or all parties being under the influence.

Durham Constabulary feared that later opening hours for takeaways would hold people on the street for longer and increase the risk of alcohol-fuelled crime.

The plans also sparked objections from Consett councillors Derek Hicks and Alex Watson.

Coun Hicks, speaking at the meeting, said: “Residents already have trouble with noise and disturbance during the morning.

“We don’t have enough police to deal with the work that the licence extension will create.

“Most residents have to get up for work and have care responsibilities, it will make problems worse for residents.”

Councillors were told that Golden Pizza met the terms of its licence including closing at the correct time.

Tim Robson of TJR licensing, representing applicant and licence holder Eshan Teymouri, said the shop had several checks in place from CCTV cameras to staff training.

He added the applicant would be willing to scale back the licensing hours applied for if the sub-committee requested it.

Following private discussions, the council’s Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee delivered their verdict.

Sub-Committee chairman, Coun Colin Carr, said problems could arise if a 5am licence was agreed.

This included the takeaway attracting more business and potential alcohol-related issues.

“There’s a general concern that it’s the residents that are going to suffer,” he added.

Golden Pizza’s Friday and Saturday licensing hours will remain unchanged with the takeaway allowed to sell food until 2.30am.

However, councillors agreed to extend the licence to 1am between Sunday and Thursday.

A new condition also includes no under 16s entering the takeaway without a responsible adult after 10pm.

Golden Pizza, Front Street, Consett Picture: Google