POLICE have withdrawn their opposition to a proposed nightclub in Chester-le-Street.

Plans to build the club and caf/bar on the site of a derelict bingo hall in South Burns, near the town centre, were turned down by councillors at a planning meeting in January.

The site has been derelict for several years following the closure of Queens Hall Bingo.

About 25 letters of objection were originally sent to the district council, voicing concerns about possible vandalism to shop fronts and an increase in litter and noise.

It was the threat of an increase in crime that most concerned councillors when they decided to refuse planning permission.

Police said they feared a late-night bar was likely to lead to a significant risk of crime and disorder in the area.

The man behind the planning application, Billy Walton, the owner of Crocodillos nightclub in Front Street, lodged an appeal against the refusal.

Following discussions with Mr Walton, police have withdrawn their opposition.

According to Chester-le-Street District Council, police changed their position because Mr Walton was willing to give a formal undertaking that only one of his nightclubs would operate at any time.

As a result, councillors voted at a recent planning meeting to invite Mr Walton to reapply for planning permission.

Mr Walton's proposed development is for two retail units, a ground floor caf bar and a nightclub on the first floor.

In March last year Mr Walton opened a £750,000 bar, called Glo, at the back of Crocodillos nightclub.

He said Glo and his latest proposed nightclub could help transform the town's nightlife for the better, attracting people from the surrounding area who might otherwise travel to Newcastle or Sunderland.

Another caf bar is due to open in the town centre later this year. Luminar Leisure is building a £1.4m Chicago Rock Caf in a former car showroom on Front Street.

The development is expected to create 50 full and part-time jobs and will offer American-style entertainment with an emphasis on dining and dancing.

It will open until 1am and cater for the over-25s.