ALRESFORD Town Council has agreed to apply to extend the licensing hours at the recreation ground bar.

The council recently applied for a 24 hour licence, but last week's meeting heard that nearby residents have objected.

Michael and Jill Dickens, of Pound Hill, said in a letter to the city council licensing committee that “24 hour provision would encourage further noisy and disruptive behaviour”.

They also said cars are frequently 'keyed' in the road and allowing longer opening hours could cause more damage to property.

Cllr Margot Power said she understood residents' concerns, and suggested extending the hours from 11am-11pm to 11am-1am, instead of applying for a 24 hour license.

She said it would meet the concerns of residents but also allow the bar to hold functions several times throughout the year.

Councillors also agreed that bar staff should ask the council's permission to open later than 11pm if they did so more than 12 times annually.