NEIGHBOURS have objected to a bid to reopen Victoria Social Club, in Darlington, which has been closed for a year.

Bernice Smith is also seeking permission to extend the Victoria Road club across two floors.

However, six nearby residents have objected on the grounds of late opening hours and potential noise.

Ms Smith was unavailable for comment yesterday, but has been invited to attend Darlington Borough Council's licensing committee later this week.

She has run two pubs over the past seven years and in her application states: "I have good people skills, which I use successfully to defuse situations before they escalatate."

Her application adds: "The premise is on the outskirts of the town centre and is over two floors. It will be run as a traditional pub, serving food and alcohol for consumption on the premises.

"We intend to provided traditional entertainment, including, but not exclusively, pool, darts, snooker, dominoes, live and recorded music, which is likely to appeal to a mature-minded clientele."

Alcohol would also be sold in sealed containers for drinking off-premises.

She has asked to be able to open the venue from 10am to 1am every day, with music allowed to be played until 12.30am.

However, in light of complaint from residents she has said she would be prepared to reduce the opening hours.

Concerns have been expressed by six people living nearby.

Lee Garthwaite objected to live music, karaoke or other noisy entertainment at the venue, and said he had even suffered from excess noise from the dance school which uses part of the building.

He added: "I'm pleading with you not to let this happen. I can feel myself getting very stressed and upset at the thought of this happening right next door to my home.

"This really is about my quality of life."

Mrs J Roscoe said: "I am writing to object as the building is in the middle of a residential area and myself and my neighbours would be kept awake all night, every night.

Why should families suffer so a few people can be entertained?"

The hearing takes place at 9.30am on Friday in the town hall. The meeting is open to the public.