A TOWN centre nightclub has secured permission to extend its weekend opening hours.

The Cube, in Spennymoor's High Street, has been granted a variation to its premises licence, giving customers longer drinking time.

It can stay open until 4.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, and to 3.30am on Sundays.

Sedgefield Borough Council's licensing sub-committee unanimously approved the application.

Seven residents objected to the extension, but only one's home was near the club.

He asked that his concerns about increased disturbance from revellers leaving the premises be considered.

Community inspector Adrian Green also raised concerns about criminal damage and unruly behaviour stretching longer into the early hours of each day.

He said: "We have absolutely no issue with The Cube itself, but raised the question about the potential impact it could have on police resources and residents."

Colin Fletcher, proprietor of The Cube, said: "Since the new licensing laws allowed longer drinking hours, more town bars and pubs have started to serve until 1am or 2am.

"We have to do something to stand out as a night club and offer something different.

"Staggered closing times has reduced incidents and the town's PubWatch scheme, which I chair, does a good job at minimising problems."