A COMPANY which was refused a drinks licence for a controversial Australian-themed nightspot in Durham city centre is lodging an appeal.

Regent Inns, of London, hopes to finally win the day at Durham Crown Court when it challenges the decision of the area's licensing justices.

Following a week-long hearing earlier this year, the magistrates refused a drinks licence and a special hours certificate to 1am.

The leisure chain plans to convert the city's only cinema, The Robins, in North Road, into a 700-capacity Walkabout Inn.

In a detailed summary of their findings, the magistrates described the company as a reputable operator and had offered the most comprehensive package of measures to overcome problems.

However, chairman Bob Hall said: "The opening of premises of this size and nature at this location will lead to a significant increase in noise, nuisance, disturbance and disorder, particularly in North Road after the premises have closed.''

Objectors, including the police and City of Durham Trust, warned that the venue would add to disorder in the street, home to two nightclubs, and stretch police resources in the early hours.

Regent Inns has told the objectors that it is appealing on the grounds that the decision was "contrary to the weight of evidence put forward''.

Suzanne Davies, of the law firm acting for Regent Inns, said: "We are instructed to lodge an appeal and that appeal has been forwarded.''

Roger Cornwell, chairman of the City of Durham Trust, said: "We are disappointed, but we are not surprised.

"I think the magistrates made the right decision and I would hope the appeal would reach the same conclusion.

"The magistrates hearing took a week and the applicants have resources which are very much greater than their opponents. They seemed to be prepared to chuck money at it in the hope of wearing down the opposition.''

He added: "Having potentially 1,000 people turning out on to North Road at 1am would be a disaster for policing and for people living nearby.''

The appeal is likely to be heard later this year by a judge sitting with magistrates from outside the Durham area