POLICE have voiced their fears about the prospect of more late-night trouble in Westbury ahead of new licence applications expected by pubs in the town.

West Wiltshire District Council is shortly due to announce its decision on whether the Railway Inn will be granted a public entertainment licence to open until 1am from Mondays to Saturdays.

But past experience with late-night opening at the Ludlow Arms has police and residents worried that it will mean more sleepless nights for neighbours.

Westbury Sergeant Jim Stannard said: "I have every sympathy with the number of people that complain to me about the disturbances at closing time outside the Ludlow.

"If you go abroad, the licensing hours are very different, and you don't have this 'skinful' attitude and until that is addressed in this country we will always get this problem of loutish behaviour at closing time."

The Ludlow Arms currently has a licence to open until midnight on Thursday, and 2am on Friday and Saturday nights.

Sgt Stannard said: "Late licences in Westbury have a direct impact on our ability to police the area, and so there is a price to pay. We do not have enough officers to be everywhere at once, and we have to keep an eye on these drinkers when they're leaving these premises.

"But I have to reassure the people of the town, that there is a positive commitment from us to deal with this, and we hope people in Westbury feel there are police around who will not tolerate anti-social behaviour."

Paul Mead, landlord of the Railway Inn, said he does not anticipate any problems if they get the late licence.

He said: "The way people go out to socialise is changing, people are not ready to leave at closing time so we are going for later hours to reflect that.

"I think 1am is a reasonable compromise as well and my customers are usually very good. I don't want younger drinkers taking advantage of a late licence and we anticipate an older crowd, which should mean that neighbours are not disturbed.

"If they are I will address the problem, and if necessary we'll put on a bus to take people home to minimise the noise."

Westbury Residents Association met on Tuesday to discuss the application made by the Ludlow Arms to renew its late licence in August.

Association secretary Maureen Oliver said: "The general feeling is that we will oppose the renewal.

"If the Ludlow get their renewal, it will open the door for many other pubs.

"Late licensing does not bring anything to Westbury except disturbance at night and a profit for landlords."