TOWN councillors in Marlborough are supporting residents who are against a burger and kebab bar being allowed to stay open until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights.

In letters of objection, neighbouring residents said the Charcoal Grill in Hughenden Yard is breaching its planning consent by remaining open as late as 2.45am.

The planning consent for the business currently stipulates that it has to close at midnight. It has now applied for the conditions to be varied to allow it to remain open until 2am on Saturday and Sunday.

Two letters of objection from neighbours were presented to Marlborough planning committee on Monday. They complained of noise nuisance until the early hours of the morning and of litter.

Coun Peter Cossey said to allow the Charcoal Grill to extend its hours would only worsen the litter problem.

Councillors agreed to lodge a strong objection to the increased hours request and to bring to Kennet District Council's attention the fact that the present midnight restriction is regularly breached.