DURHAM drinkers are being asked where they want a planned late-night bus service to run to.

The region's largest bus operator, Go North-East, could run buses as late as 2.15am to cater for drinkers out in the city on Friday and Saturday nights.

The service would be part-funded by Regent Inns who are opening a 700-capacity Walkabout Inn in the former Robins Cinema, North Road.

The firm won its licence at appeal despite objections from police and residents that it will increase disorder in North Road.

One of the big problems is that bus services finish at about 11.30pm and there are not enough taxis to cater for people leaving city centre nightspots in the early hours.

Go North-East is giving drinkers in North Road a questionnaire to find out which would be the most popular destinations for the new service.

Commercial director Martin Harris said: "There is a very strong case for extended bus services from Durham City on these very busy nights. We have the backing of a number of organisations in the Durham area who believe that extra services will be a huge boost for the city's late night trade.''

Violence and disorder rose by about 33 per cent in the last year and there is concern that long waits for taxis are contributing to the problem.

Chief Inspector Laz Szomoru of the city's police recently told the annual licensing session said people waited for taxis up to 4.30am.

"Durham is often criticised for not having enough taxis to disperse people in sufficient numbers compared to Chester-le-Street where there is not the same problem. I think we need some kind of committed transport strategy and it is essential we have it in time for Walkabout opening.''

The buses would leave Durham at 12.15, 1.15 and 2.15am.