A NIGHTSPOT in Middlesbrough has had its late licence extended - despite police protests about town centre violence.

The Royal Exchange on Albert Road was given a severe warning about trouble in and near the nightclub by members of Middlesbrough Borough Council's licensing committee yesterday.

They agreed to extend the venue's public entertainment licence for six months, but warned the situation would be reviewed again.

Police opposed the renewal because of the social disorder caused by cheap drinks promotions and the amount of underage drinkers in the town centre.

Councillors saw police videos showing images of revellers being violent, abusive and under the influence of too much alcohol. "We have seen some of the most appalling levels of disorder," said committee member Councillor Michael J Carr.

"It is a sight that would make parents sick to their stomachs to see their children drinking to such an extent.

"The level of binge-drinking and the degree of disorder that we are seeing is not acceptable."

Between 2000 to 2001 and 2001 to 2002, figures show there has been a 2,180 per cent increase in the number of calls to police regarding incidents related to the Royal Exchange, from five to 114.

Most calls were linked to wounding, assault, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

The committee heard that since landlord Craig Wallace took over the club in December the number of incidents had fallen.

An eight-week refurbishment programme costing between £350,000 and £400,000 is planned for June or July and Dukedom, which owns the Royal Exchange, hopes this will create a safer environment.

Operations manager Russell Vickers said: "We are confident that we will able to maintain the success we have started."