A LANDLORD is determined to go against the wishes of regulars and hold late-night karaoke sessions at his pub.

Older customers and neighbours are opposed to Derek Wilkinson introducing karaoke nights at his Stockton pub, The Rimswell.

They say the increase in noise and disturbance would affect their quality of life. Some regulars say they are being forced out to make way for younger customers.

But Mr Wilkinson, who has applied to Stockton Borough Council for an entertainment licence, says noise from the three-times-a-week sessions would be kept to a minimum.

Residents opposed to the plan have sent a 60-signature petition and 20 letters of complaint to the council.

John McBride, who has been a regular of the pub in Bishopton Road West for 30 years, says the sound of music and taxi horns is already spoiling people's evenings.

He said: "The Rimswell has always been a community pub where one could meet friends and neighbours for a drink and a social conversation.

"In recent months however, the atmosphere has deteriorated considerably and many of the long-standing regulars have decided to go elsewhere.

"This is due to the deafening, overpowering music from the jukebox and the regular karaoke nights.

"I appreciate that Mr Wilkinson is in business and that he needs to make a profit, but I also believe that, as a licensee, he also has a duty to the residents of the area."

The fire brigade and police have made no objections to the application, but Cleveland Police said they had previously given Mr Wilkinson a final warning about loud music being played in the early hours of the morning.

Mr Wilkinson said: "This is a nice residential area and this is a nice pub. In this day and age you need more than just alcohol to entice people in, so I have applied for these karaoke nights.

"Some people think they can spend £10 a night and sit in the corner talking, but that won't pay my bills. Local regulars are still the most important people to me, but they don't add anything to the pub."

The council's licensing committee will consider the application in Stockton Town Hall on Tuesday.