POLICE have objected to plans to extend the opening hours of a Stockton pub after concerns of an increase in disorder and violence around the building.

The Lords Tavern, Yarm Lane, Stockton, wants to extend its opening hours from 11pm to 1am, from Thursday to Saturday, and 10.30pm to 12.30am on a Sunday.

Members of Stockton Borough Council's licensing committee will meet tomorrow to discuss the plans.

In a letter to the meeting, Gerard Tompkinson, the solicitor for Cleveland Police, said the pub requires a great deal of police attention.

In the past 12 months there have been 33 separate incidents recorded against The Lords Tavern, including 13 incidents of violence against people, and public disorder.

Mr Tompkinson said: "Within a period of less than five years, these premises have had 11 different managers or licensees. The police find that this leads to a lack of stability in the management of the premises and that promises to 'run the premises properly' are never seen through to fruition."

Cirous Asadi, director of environmental services at the council, has objected on the grounds of possible noise disturbance to residents.

He said the building was not adequately sound insulated.

The manager of the pub, Stewart Burey, said: "Lots of the pubs in the town have longer hours and, as we are situated away from the main area, I think there is a real need for it here.

"It will give people the chance to stay closer to home instead of having to trek into the town centre."