A TEESSIDE pub is taking steps to become a better neighbour amid concerns from residents over its new opening hours.

The Roundel, in Mitchell Avenue, Thornaby, was granted an extension, by Stockton Borough Council's licensing committee, yesterday, despite 33 written objections from residents.

The pub will now be open from 10am till 11.30pm Monday to Thursday, from 10am till 12.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11am till 11.30pm on Sundays.

On Sundays before a bank holiday, it will be open from 11am till 12.30am.

Many Thornaby residents were present at the licensing meeting.

Graham Cain's house, in Stainsby Gate, backs on to the pub's car park.

He said: "When I bought my house in the early 1970s, I was assured that there would be little disturbance from the pub - and it was true.

"There was no drinking outside and no noise from taxi horns..

"Since then the closing time has been extended to 11pm, and extra opening on a Sunday afternoon, it has caused loss of enjoyment of my garden.

"So it cannot be said that you knew what to expect if you bought a house by a pub."

Kathleen McCabe also lives in Stainsby Gate. She said: "I've had grandchildren playing in the garden when bottles and glasses from the pub have been thrown in, only just missing them."

In an attempt to allay some of the concerns, representatives for The Roundel had already cut 30 minutes from the closing times in their original application.

The pub has agreed to fit an automated decibel limiter, to cut the power to sound equipment if the previously agreed noise levels are breached.

Also, the pub has agreed to show residents its incident book and has welcomed the appointment of a community representative who will liaise with the pub's management.

Gerry McDonald, area manager for the Pioneer Pub Company, said: "We are going to work closely with the residents in the coming months.

"I have spoken to the community representative and we are going to set up regular meetings with residents, myself and the manager of The Roundel."