A CITY centre nightclub has won the right to open a new floor, provided suitable safety measures are introduced.

Durham City Council's licensing panel agreed to permit the extension of Caf Rock, in North Road, despite the opposition of 11 local people.

Objectors claimed it would only exacerbate existing problems with late-night disorder, noise and nuisance, particularly caused by revellers leaving licensed premises in the North Road area.

But Durham Police put up no opposition the proposal, which will increase the capacity at Caf Rock by 190, to 440.

The panel agreed to the variation of the premises' public entertainment licence, providing safety work is carried out, including the construction of a new fire escape.

Any measures carried out must be passed by a fire safety officer before the revised conditions can come into force.