A DURHAM pub has won a late-night extension on weekend evenings despite mixed views of the nearby university populace.

The Hogshead, on the city centre peninsula, can remain open until midnight, for live music and dancing.

But it only applies on Friday and Saturday nights, for a six-month trial period, due to the misgivings of conservationists and nearby college authorities.

The Saddler Street bar initially wanted to open until midnight six days a week, but the application brought opposition from the City of Durham Trust and from Professor Maurice Tucker, master of University College, Durham.

He was concerned as the college, based at Durham Castle, has an accommodation annexe catering for mostly first-year students, immediately behind the pub.

Prof Tucker objected to the late-night entertainment licence. He said students needed quiet on evenings to study and sleep. He said that since the accommodation complex was built, in 1970, Saddler Street has changed beyond recognition with a number of new bars and restaurants springing up in recent years, adding to the late-night noise and disruption.

But, applying to the city's licensing justices for the special hours' certificate, Hogshead licensee Andrew Philip Cooper said some students living nearby were in favour of the late licence. He said: "The local residents are predominantly students. Since we applied for the entertainment licence we have received letters in support of the application, including some from students."

The pub plans to install an electronic counter, applying to both front and back doors, secondary double glazing and a noise limiter. A six-month trial period was imposed by the city council when it granted the entertainment licence recently.

Agreeing to award a late drinks' licence, panel chairman Colin Clark said: "We'll grant it to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, but if the public entertainment licence lapses, or is not renewed, it will revert to normal hours."