A GAY club may face a battle to stay open following complaints of noise and allegations of after-hours opening.

Ward councillors are objecting to the renewal of a music, singing and dancing licence at Cassidys, in Middlesbrough, on behalf of residents.

Club manager Joanne Fairless said there was never any trouble at the Grange Road club.

There are no objections to the renewal of the licence from Cleveland Police or Cleveland Fire Brigade.

But ward councillor John McPartland said: "I am objecting on the grounds that granting a licence would create an intolerable problem for the residents of the houses and flats across the road.

"The noise and disturbance will be considerable and will impair the quality of life of the nearby people whom I represent."

Councillor Frank Gill said: "We have had a long-term problem with this establishment regarding noise.

"At the moment they are becoming very noisy again. I have also had reports about staying open after hours.''

Miss Fairless said the club provided a service for the gay community.

She said: "It is just a safe environment for the people who come in here.

"There are many places in the town where you can go and drink, but not where people of a different sexuality can come and have a drink, relax and be themselves in a safe environment. I can't see why people are objecting. We do have a lot of charity events.

"We put more into the community than other pubs and clubs," she said.

The club has held fundraising events for causes including Teesside Positive Action and Making a Child Smile.

"We feel we are being treated unfairly and that a fuss is being made about nothing," she said.

Miss Fairless said the club had worked hard to build up good relationships with residents and staff were often sent into surrounding areas to check for noise escaping from the premises.

She refuted claims of out of hours opening and suggested any noise nuisance could be caused by revellers from other establishments taking a short cut through the area on their way to takeaway shops.

Middlesbrough Council's licensing committee will discuss the licence renewal at a meeting on Thursday.