A LEISURE chain looks likely to avoid a possible legal hold-up to the controversial nightspot it hopes to open.

Earlier this year Durham city councillors decided to back Regent Inns' bid to convert the city's Robins Cinema into an Australian-style venue.

The company plans to open a Walkabout bar that would be open until the early hours and would offer Australian food, music and dancing.

The approval was given despite strong opposition from the police who warned that the new nightspot could add to the city centre's rising problem of crime and disorder caused by drunken revellers.

Steve Anderson, managing director of the DH1 and Caf Rock nightclubs, a few yards from the cinema in North Road, is seeking a judicial review of the council's granting of permission.

He claims officers gave misleading advice and that permission could not be granted as the firm had already lodged an appeal because the application had not been decided within the statutory two months. The council rejects his claims.

Regent Inns has now submitted a slightly amended application and tomorrow the council's development control committee will again be recommended to give approval, which will not be subject to the legal challenge.

The council's licensing panel has already refused the company's bid for a public entertainment licence because of fears of trouble.

The company has lodged an appeal against the decision. Its bid for a drinks licence has also run into considerable opposition.

A report to the development control committee says that the firm is proposing security measures including CCTV and that the nightspot would help regenerate North Road and keep a building of character in use.

The City of Durham Trust has also objected to the latest application, saying North Road has sufficient drinking places, as has a resident of nearby Neville Street concerned about late-night safety.