RESIDENTS in Southampton have launched a battle against plans to increase the hours at a local pub.

People living in Portswood and Highfield, who say they are victim to a sharp rise in alcohol-related crime, have fought a long-running battle to halt the growing availability of alcohol in Portswood Road.

Just weeks ago angry residents lost their fight against planning chiefs who gave permission for another pub to be opened in Portswood Road.

Today, Southampton City Council licensing chiefs will hear their objections to plans by the Mitre pub, also in Portswood Road, to increase their opening hours.

The application by Mitre landlord Paul McCarthy seeks permission to extend Friday and Saturday night opening times from 1am until 2am.

The application has received more than 80 objection letters, including one from the Hampshire police.

In the letter, Jon Snook, Hampshire Constabulary licensing inspector, said: "The Mitre public house is in a semi-residential area and there are no other licensed premises in the vicinity that have a terminal hour of 0200 hours.

"It is the view of the police that to grant this application would result in increased levels of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour within the locality at a later terminal hour."

The attitude of John Coffey, from Abbotts Way in Highfield, is typical of other residents.

Mr Coffey said: "We already suffer from the anti-social behaviour and noise from binge drinkers.

"In addition to the noise, particularly affecting homes close to Highfield Lane, there has been damage to young trees planted along Abbotts Way and Russell Place.

"There has also been an increase in vandalism to cars. This mindless behaviour would only get worse if the extra time for drinking is allowed, and we are dead against it.

"It is unreasonable to expect that residents should accept even more disturbances into the early hours of the morning."

However, pub bosses Greene King said the application had been submitted to extend opening hours in line with other pubs in the area.

A spokesman said the landlord of the pub would be at the meeting to listen to residents' increasing concerns.

The case will be heard before council licensing officials today.