POLICE are opposing a north Durham nightclub's application for a licence to stay open until 6am.

Businessman Sonny Gill, who owns Decade nightclub in Consett town centre, has applied to the local licensing committee to extend drinking laws from 2.30am.

He recently opened a controversial lap dancing club, Red Velvet, nearby and now he wants revellers to be able to drink until dawn at the weekend.

But police say it is likely to lead to an increase in town centre violence, as people will have the opportunity to drink more alcohol.

Community Inspector Andrew McConnell said: "The problem is that when people have had too much to drink they end up coming to blows, and they can be badly hurt."

He said there were likely to be more incidents of criminal damage and theft in the town centre.

"We find that people think kicking a load of wing mirrors from cars or stealing property from gardens seem like a jolly jape at the time.

"But the effect it has on people is devastating, because they are people's pride and joy."

He said it would also lead to issues surrounding people's safety and transport and cause more disruption to nearby residents already affected by disorder.

Insp McConnell added: "People in Consett town centre, Delves Lane and Blackhill have to listen to people shouting and carrying on into the early hours and this will just make it worse.

"Also, we are concerned about whether there is adequate transport for people to get home safely at that time."

Mr Gill said that not everyone would stay until 6am, and people would leave gradually throughout the small hours.

He said: "There will be no problem with crime and disorder because people will leave in much smaller groups. Instead of up to 2,500 people turning out on the streets of Consett, there will be only 40 or 50 at a time.

"It will be easier for them to get taxis home, there will be less fights and less for police to deal with.

"This way will be much better."

Derwentside District Council, which meets on August 20, will make a decision on the application.