A HEXHAM pub has been given the go-ahead to open later on some nights, despite concerns raised by a neighbour.

At a Northumberland County Council licensing hearing on Friday, it was agreed that the Phoenix, at 3 Chisholm Place, would be licensed to operate until 3.30am on Sunday mornings.

On Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of a weekend before a Bank Holiday Monday, all licensed activities can also take place until 3.30am the following morning.

Sarah Smith, from Sintons, representing the venue’s owners, explained that they had initially wanted to open an hour later on Friday as well, but had dropped this following discussions with the police.

The council’s public protection team initially objected to the changes due to concerns about noise, but this was withdrawn when the applicant agreed to a number of conditions, primarily relating to upgrading the fabric of the building and the windows to limit the noise impact.

The only other objection came from Margaret Maughan, who also lives on Chisholm Place.

“I have tried to be understanding, but the noise and everything else about it suggests it’s going to be a nightclub and I think that’s too much for this area,” she said.

“The past 10 years have just been one aggravation after another. I don’t feel safe where I am now because drunk people come into my garden.”

In granting the amended licence, the chairman, Coun. Ian Hutchinson, said that the committee felt the additional conditions were sufficient to mitigate the noise impacts.