COUNCILLORS have agreed to extend the opening hours of a pub, despite objections from residents.

A meeting of Stockton Borough Council's licensing sub-committee yesterday approved the application by The Merlin, in Marsh House Avenue, Billingham.

The pub can now stay open until 11.30pm, from Sunday to Wednesday, to midnight on Thursday and until 12.30am on Friday and Saturday, with an extra hour on bank holiday weekends.

Punch Taverns, which owns the pub, had originally applied for the late licence to include live and recorded music, but this was withdrawn shortly before the meeting.

A number of residents who live close to the pub complained about noise from discos and karaoke nights, and of rowdiness and vandalism caused by revellers leaving the pub at closing time.

They said that longer opening hours would lead to more problems.

Kevin Pitt, of Sherburn Avenue, said: "At the present time, The Merlin is a local estate pub. The granting of this application will turn it into the equivalent of a nightclub every Thursday to Sunday and on every Bank Holiday.

"The granting of such a licence will affect the quality of life of local residents."

But following the withdrawal of the music application, the council licensing committee felt it should be approved.

The chairman, Councillor Keith Leonard, said: "There was no evidence from the police that there was any crime or disorder in connection with the running of this licensed establishment."

The application was approved with the condition that all music should end by 11.30pm each night.