A LICENCE was granted yesterday allowing a late-night takeaway restaurant to remain open until 3am three times a week.

Yummy Bites, in ground- floor premises in Neville Street, off North Road, in Durham city centre, is a 20-seat cafe with hot takeaway facilities.

It opens from 9am until 4pm from Monday to Saturday, and between 10am and 3pm on a Sunday.

Owner Lesley Jones applied to the city council for a licence to also open between 8pm and 3am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and to 1am on Sunday nights.

Although the request attracted no police objection, city council environmental health officer Tony Hanson expressed concern over potential litter, and the need for ventilation and extraction equipment to remove cooking odours.

He also pointed to the potential impact of an increase in late night noise and nuisance for people living nearby, including students in accommodation above the takeaway.

Mrs Jones said the premises were maintained in "pristine condition", with a camera security system being installed.

She said notices were placed at the entrance/exit asking customers to leave quietly and to use the rubbish bin outside the premises.

She added that staff weretrained to inspect the exterior of the premises to ensure it is clear of rubbish.

The city council licensing committee agreed to the application, providing Government guidance on odour controls are in place by December.