WINCHESTER licensing chiefs have agreed to allow a city centre pub to open for longer despite police concerns.

There were no objections from the public to the application by the Old Gaolhouse in Jewry Street but the police have expressed worries.

The licensing sub-committee agreed the changes which will start on Thursday, November 24. From then on the JD Wetherspoon-owned pub can stay open until 2am on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and 1am for the rest of the week.

PC Tim O'Brien told the sub-committee that 84 criminal offences had occurred in Jewry Street this year, including public disorder and assault.

Ten of these were directly linked to the Wetherspoon pub, he added.

PC O'Brien said they wanted to ensure that the bar employed adequate door staff to deal with problems.

The sub-committee granted the licence on the condition that two door staff would be employed on a Friday and Saturday night from 10pm until closing time, unless otherwise agreed with police.

The councillors added that the pub must continue with its Think 21 scheme, where staff ask anyone who looks under 21 for proof that they are over 18.

Other conditions included extended training courses for managers and keeping security camera images from the pub for at least 30 days.

A spokesman for JD Wetherspoons said: "We are pleased our application has gone through and that reflects what councillors think of how our premises are run.

"It shows the policies we have on public order, under-age drinking and serving drunks are well-operated and well thought out for the committee to grant the licence as applied for.

"However, we take into account police concerns and will continue to work with them to reduce the number of incidents in Jewry Street.

"We have as much interest in public order as anyone else."