RESIDENTS have objected 'very strongly' to longer opening hours for a Great Sutton pub.

Neighbours of The Straw Hat in Hope Farm Road say it could keep them awake at night, cause public disorder and devalue property prices.

One resident told the borough council's licensing committee: 'As drink brings out the worst in people, allowing these extended hours could lead to people going on extreme all-day drinking benders.

'People who feel the need to drink at 7.30am and 1am surely are only there to get drunk rather than for social drinking.

'Some nights the music can be heard quite loud and can be irritating. Bass drums from live bands can be clearly heard in our bedroom through the double-glazing. Extending this for a further two hours would seriously affect our quality of life and cause sleep disturbance.

'This application could have a detrimental effect on the community and make the area undesirable, possibly decreasing the value of local properties.'

Another resident said: 'My youngest child has been moved from the front to the back room due to noise from customers, taxis and music. My eldest child is kept awake by the noise on most nights when events are taking place. And I work long hours and sometimes have a limited number of hours between shifts for sleep.'

Applicant Donald Sproson and landlady Doreen Broughton said a 60-minute 'wind-down' period will allow a staggered departure from the pub by customers. They said they keep windows closed to reduce noise, ask leaving customers to be quiet and 'stay vigilant' at closing times.

The committee decided the pub can open from 7.30am-2am and supply alcohol from 7.30am-1am every day.