A TOWN centre pub has been given permission to stay open until 2pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

Sedgefield Borough Council granted the licence to Blakes, in Newton Aycliffe, for six months, or until the current licence expires, when it will be reviewed.

The council's licensing committee considered the application to vary the pub's licence yesterday.

Aycliffe resident Paul McNamee spoke at the meeting to object to the application, saying: "The people who live in that area are at their wits end with the constant noise, racket and revellers leaving that place."

Landlord Anthony O'Brien said he had a petition of 300 names in support of the application and had received no objections other than that from Mr McNamee.

Councillor Don Fraser left the meeting when one member asked him if he was summing up the case himself while asking questions.

Members heard that there had been no objections to the application from the police.

The council's environmental health department had objected to the application, but agreed to drop its opposition if conditions were attached.

The application was granted providing there are a minimum of four attendants on duty on Friday and Saturday nights and that noise is kept within acceptable levels.