PUBS and clubs in a busy part of Durham were yesterday branded "woeful" and "disgusting" by a man wanting to bring an Australian theme pub into the city.

Anthony Jackson, national operations manager for Walkabout Inns, told a licensing committee hearing that a pub, planned for the Robins Cinema site in North Road, would greatly improve the often rowdy area of Durham.

But the committee, sitting at Derwentside Magistrates' Court, also heard how the chain, owned by Regent Inns, experienced a litany of problems at many of its 28 pubs across the country.

The court was told the popular bars experienced frequent fights, over-bearing door staff and overcrowding.

One manager, in Ports-mouth, was sacked for gross misconduct, a head doorman was dismissed for allegedly assaulting customers, another doorman allegedly used CS gas on revellers and the chain's Lincoln branch faces losing its licence after a series of problems.

Mr Jackson told the hearing: "I have to say that some of the premises in and around North Road are, in my own frank opinion, woeful and, in two or three cases, disgusting.

"Durham deserves better. It is woefully lacking in facilities for people to go out and enjoy themselves dancing in a quality outlet.

"What it already has is a problem that is caused by the licensed premises that currently exist in this city.

"The problems at other Walkabouts do not characterise us. It is how these situations are handled that sets the good operators apart."

Residents, the police and the City of Durham Trust all object to the development, fearing an increase in noise nuisance and late-night disorder.

The trust has also raised concerns about the loss of Durham's only cinema, especially as no one has yet been found to operate a multiplex in the city's proposed Walkergate development.

Regent Inns has applied for a licence to open its 700-capacity £2m pub until 1am, providing drinkers with hot food, a custom-built dancefloor, and a "lively, but not boisterous", atmosphere.

If granted a licence, Walkabout would open until 1am Monday to Saturday, and until 11pm on Sunday. The firm earlier dropped a bid for a Sunday late licence.

The hearing continues.