POLICE have objected to plans to increase a pub's opening hours following concerns that it might lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Stockton Borough Council's licensing committee will meet today to discuss the plans by The Dubliners in Bridge Street, Thornaby, near the town, to increase the opening hours from Thursdays to Saturdays to 1am.

At present, the pub has a licence for music and singing for Monday to Saturday, 7pm to 11pm.

In a report to the committee, police said: "There is every risk that, by extending the hours of opening at The Dubliners, there will be an increase in anti-social behaviour and public disorder.

"There is a proliferation of licensed premises in Stockton town centre, which have the luxury of 1am and 2am licences. These cause the police major problems, particularly at the weekend, and police resources are overstretched dealing with the disorder and crime which occur in the early hours."