POLICE chiefs fear that a nightclub's bid to serve alcohol until 6am could spark a rise in violence in the centre of Darlington.

Escapade, in Gladstone Street, is one of several venues to have applied to the borough council to stay open later.

All pubs, clubs and off-licences have had to apply for new licences under the Licensing Act 2004, which relaxes opening hours.

But the Escapade application has caused concern among police bosses.

The club wants to serve alcohol until 4am from Mondays to Fridays, and up to 6am on Saturdays and Sundays.

Councillors are due to consider the application next week and have already been made aware of serious worries.

In a letter to the council's licensing department, Inspector Sue Collingwood said she was "particularly concerned" about the prospect of revellers drinking for longer.

"Having made inquiries, it appears that there will be insufficient transport arrangements to facilitate persons leaving the Escapade premises after these extended hours," she said.

"Thus, large numbers of persons affected by alcohol will be milling about the streets. This is very likely to lead to increased crime and disorder, in the form of assaults and disturbances."

Insp Collingwood also expressed concern about an increase in noise in the early hours, causing hostility between club-goers and nearby homeowners.

She said: "Patrons affected by alcohol are likely not to perceive the level of noise they create accurately and, in fact, will be inclined to 'play up' to residents if they become aware that they are disturbing them."

Council officials also have concerns and have asked for public safety, particularly with enough staff to supervise the premises, to be a priority.

In its submissions, Nexum Leisure, which operates the club, said a wide range of policies and risk assessments were in place.

The firm said it worked closely with police, with action plans and "incident reduction" plans used to review levels of crime and disorder.

It also said that when children's activities, such as discos, were staged, no alcohol would be available, gaming machines would be switched off and staff would be in place to supervise events.

The council's licensing sub-committee will consider the licence application next Thursday.