PROTESTORS fighting a planned Australian theme bar hope to win their battle against a national chain next week.

On Monday, Durham Crown Court will begin hearing Regent Inns' appeal against the North Durham Licensing Committee's refusal of a drinks licence for the Walkabout, proposed for North Road in Durham.

The £2m venue, with a 700 capacity, will be created in the building that currently houses the city's only cinema, the Robins.

Opponents, including the police, residents and City of Durham Trust, say the nightspot would add to noise, nuisance and violence in the street, which already has two nightclubs.

The licensing committee refused the licence - the firm has planning permission and an entertainment licence - saying that the new venue would add to the area's difficulties.

They described Regent Inns as a reputable operator, despite police claims of problems at other Walkabouts including fighting and overcrowding.

Regent Inns said its development would improve North Road and attract a more mature clientele.

City of Durham Trust chairman Roger Cornwell said trustees were worried about the potential for trouble in the bigger taxi queues.

He said: "The police put a strong case that persuaded the magistrates to refuse the licence application and I understand it is even stronger.

"I think it is very much on the cards that Regent Inns will be unsuccessful. It would be the first time they were unsuccessful.

"This pub will be a very bad thing for Durham and the fact that we are going to lose our cinema makes it even worse.

"The appeal is a public hearing and I am sure a lot of people will come to see the case being made against this mega-pub.''

Regent Inns national operations manager Anthony Jackson could not be reached for comment.

Property company Troveworth, which owns the Robins building, has said the cinema is no longer viable and will close whatever the outcome. It denies that the cinema offered to invest £200,000 in refurbishing the building.

A spokesman said the company had a binding agreement for Regent Inns to take over the building.