RESIDENTS claim extending the hours of a Hampshire social club will lead to an increase in rowdiness and drunken behaviour.

The decision to grant the extension to Fareham Working Men’s Club has come under fire from residents living in Mill Road.

The club’s new licence allows the sale of alcohol in the club’s concert hall from Monday to Thursday from 10am to 11.30pm and 10am until midnight at weekends. The previous licence was for 10am to 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday.

Fareham Borough Council’s Licensing and Regulatory Committee granted the club’s application despite several objections from residents.

Daniel Harper, of Mill Road, said: “The club already has problems with violence and patrons frequently vandalising property. The establishment does not consistently monitor the front doors especially when there are private functions taking place.”

Shelly Matthews, of Redlands Lane, added: “It’s a constant problem at weekends, revellers at the club constantly shouting profanities during the night, the new hours could keep everyone awake most nights of the week.”

The club’s management assured the panel they had trained staff to deal with any rowdiness.

Karen Clark, the club’s secretary said: “The club is very successful but if we can open the bar from Monday to Thursday, it will allow us to hold more events, such as wakes. We’re not interested in bringing in more parties to the club as a result of this.”

Dennis Steadman, councillor for Fareham South, who was at the meeting said their fears were based on problems experienced in the past which had now been resolved.

“Although many of these fears were highlighted, the application was for extended hours and the panel had to decide on that issue, not the history,” he said.