A TOWN centre pub will not be allowed to stay open until 2am, after councillors refused an application for an extension to its entertainments licence.

But tenants of the Black Bull Hotel, in Main Street, Ferryhill, say they will appeal against the decision.

Licensees Keith and Ann Cummings had applied to keep the pub open for its popular discos until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, 12.30am on Sundays and 2am on Sundays before bank holidays.

But neighbouring residents lodged strong objections to the proposal, saying they would suffer because the extension would mean increased noise and anti-social behaviour in the early hours.

Police had no objections to the application and said the Black Bull was a well-run pub.

But at a meeting of Sedgefield Borough Council's licensing committee, Acting Inspector Vincent Addison said police did have other reservations about the application.

He said that if officers had to police licensed premises at 2am it would have a knock-on effect by taking officers away from other designated beat areas.

Mr Cummings tried to assure objectors that their fears were unfounded.

He said: "We can't control the behaviour that goes on outside, but we know all our customers personally. It is the same crowd week-in, week-out, and we run a tight ship."

But councillors, who considered the application in secret, rejected it because of the potential for noise, disorder and disturbance in the early hours.

After the meeting, Mr Cummings said he was disappointed by the decision and that he intended to appeal.