HOPES that changes to licensing laws will create a continental caf society are wishful thinking, according to a Swindon Conservative.

Robert Buckland, who will stand for the Tories in South Swindon at the next election, has concerns about the planned changes.

"The prospect of noisy licensed premises being open all night will do nothing to encourage more people to move into the town centre, which is essential for its regeneration," he said.

"The transfer of licensing decision-making responsibilities to Swindon Council means that if a licence is turned down, local council taxpayers will be faced with large legal bills when the well resourced brewing industry inevitably appeals any refusals.

"As a criminal lawyer dealing daily with the consequences of excessive drinking, I think our MPs have been naive in the extreme."