A POLICE force aims to block plans for a nightclub, claiming the development will lead to a rise in crime and road safety dangers.

Cleveland Police say there is "already an over-provision of late-night entertainment" in central Middlesbrough.

The force says this has led to the slashing of beer prices by rival late-opening establishments competing for trade, which is resulting in more instances of street disorder and crime.

There were more than 250 reports of anti-social behaviour, disorder, alcohol-related offences and assaults in the past six months - all within a 400-yard radius of the former Middlesbrough Odeon, which national chain Luminar Leisure wants to turn into a nightclub. to be called Jumpin Jaks.

The cinema closes in June, with the loss of 29 jobs.

Force solicitor Gerard Tompkinson says in a letter to Middlesbrough borough councillors: "Police resources are finite. It will undoubtedly be the case that patrons leaving these premises will need a police presence to control pedestrian flow etc, along Corporation Road.

"Such a police presence will be to the detriment of the vast majority of the residents of Middlesbrough.

"Those police officers must necessarily be taken away from other duties, which include policing the residential estates."

Steve Dennis, who is applying for a music, singing and dancing licence for Jumpin Jaks, said: "We will work with the police in every way we can to aid their endeavours to reduce anti-social behaviour in the borough."

The council says it works closely with the police and will continue to do so, while looking at each licence application on its merits.