A LICENSING decision on a nightspot operator's plan to breathe new life into a disused cinema has been deferred to a two-day hearing later this year.

Luminar Leisure's theme bar plans for the Palladium, in Claypath, Durham, are being opposed by the police, MP Gerry Steinberg, residents and civic watchdogs.

They have lodged objections to the firm's application for a licence. They fear the scheme will lead to an increase in the amount of late-night drunken trouble that the area suffers.

Mr Steinberg has said that a nightclub open until the early hours was the "last thing'' that the city needed.

The police are particularly worried as incidents or disorder and assault rose last year in areas on the Durham "drinking circuit'', despite high-profile patrols and CCTV coverage.

Lumina, of Luton, is expanding its chain of Chicago Rock Cafs, which have American-style surroundings. They are open after midnight and offer dining, drinking and dancing.

The company is also seeking planning permission from Durham City Council to convert the building, which has stood empty for several years. Previous attempts to bring the building back into use have failed.