COMMUNITY leaders claim a popular bar will increase the pressure on police if its opening hours are extended.
The Cube, in Poulton, has submitted an application to Wyre Council to stay open until 2.30am to match its competitors.
But councillors have questioned the impact the changes will have on police and residents.
In a letter objecting to the plans, Tithebarn ward councillor Lesley McKay, said: “It can be 3am or later before the street is cleared.
“Extending trading hours only pushes this time even later putting further pressures on our policing team and giving patrons more time to get drunk, potentially resulting in more criminal offences.”
Coun Ron Greenhough, Wyre councillor for Norcross, raised concerns about levels of pollution if more taxis are required.
He added: “If the extension to the drinking hours is granted it will necessitate more taxis working, often with engines running, for longer periods and I feel the officers and committees should be mindful of the effect this will have on the junction of Ball Street and Breck Road, and an increase in pollution levels in an area of Poulton that is already of concern to the authority.”
But Paul Mellor, owner of The Cube, said: “There’s no problem and the police don’t have an issue.
“We originally applied for 3am but after consulting with the police we amended it to 2.30am.
“We’ve also decided to stagger the hours with other bars so taxis aren’t waiting around in Poulton for a long time and there won’t be an issue with pollution.”
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