A PUBLIC entertainment licence that will allow Darlington's Reynolds Arena to stage late-night parties and discos was granted yesterday - to the anger of nearby residents.

The provisional licence will mean the stadium's Bar 66 can hold entertainment for drinkers until midnight, seven days a week.

Darlington Football Club chairman George Reynolds has claimed that the stadium cannot survive unless he is allowed to stage non-football related events to generate revenue.

Thirteen people objected to the club's application to Darlington Borough Council and last night members of Neasham Road Action Group accused the authority of "absolutely rolling over" to Mr Reynolds.

Chairman Jan Mazurk said the legal planning agreement for the stadium stated that the bar should only open from 11am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, and until 10.30pm on Sunday.

"We know this will be followed by a nightclub, car boot sales and antique fairs," she said. "We don't know why the council doesn't just tear up the agreement and let Mr Reynolds do what he likes."

When planning permission was granted, Mr Reynolds agreed that the stadium's use would be restricted to football-related activities.

Mrs Mazurk told the council's licensing committee that residents feared more noise and disturbance, especially since a brawl outside the stadium two weeks ago.

Councillors were divided over the application but it was granted when chairman Councillor Isobel Hartley cast her deciding vote.

She pointed out that Bar 66 already had a liquor licence until midnight.

"I think the fact there could be some entertainment in the building, a bit of music and entertainment in the bar, that seems to me to be okay," she said.

Licensee Barbara Vowles told councillors Bar 66 was failing to attract customers and needed to hold parties and other events.

She said. "Unfortunately, the stadium cannot survive on what it is doing at the moment because football is only ten hours a month. A lot of money has gone into it."

The meeting heard there was still building work to be done in order for the stadium to comply with planning conditions. The council is considering enforce-ment action to ensure it is completed.

* Hurworth Parish councillors have objected to plans now received by the borough council for car boot sales and a proposed nightclub at the ground. They claim the events would increase traffic and noise.