ELDERLY residents in a quiet Teesside street have got together to object to plans by their local pub to vary its entertainment licence.

They fear that, if approved, the changes would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Thirty residents, in their 70s and 80s, have objected to the plans by The Elm Tree pub, in Elm Tree Avenue, Stockton. It wants to vary its entertainment licence so that it can play a jukebox, have a compere for functions and show programmes on a TV screen.

It also wants to be open from 11am to midnight, Monday to Saturday.

However, the plans have come in for criticism from residents who fear it will lead to a decline in their quality of life.

The proposal will be discussed at a meeting of Stockton Borough Council's licensing committee next Tuesday.

In a report to the meeting, one resident said: "I am 88 years old and I came here for peace and quiet. This is a residential area and we want to keep it that way. I am in ill health and it would only aggravate it with the longer hours."

Another said: "I chose this area to live because of its location, so therefore I do not want the worry of late night drunkenness. My flat looks out onto the car park, so my sleep is going to be disturbed. This is a residential area and as such should remain so."

However, one resident said: "I am not objecting on any one reason and if things stay roughly the same all will be okay."