A lanlord has applied for a licence so that live music fans can have a late drink but has met with opposition from some Swindon nightclubs.

Kevin and Nicky Fitzger-ald, the licencees of The Victoria in Victoria Road, Old Town, were granted a late public entertainment licence six months ago by Swindon Borough Council to open until midnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Sat-urdays.

But they are still not permitted to serve drinks after 11pm and have put in an application for a Section 77 which is a special hours certificate enabling them to serve alcohol until midnight.

But after submitting the application, Kevin received a letter of objection from solicitors Poppleston Allen who represent The Mission, Destiny and Desire, the Brunel Rooms and Vadims nightclubs.

Kevin said: "We wish to provide the people of Swin-don with a late night live music venue.

"At present anyone who doesn't like nightclubs but likes live entertainment has nowhere to go after 11pm.

"We have had no trouble since we have been here and there have been no objections from either the businesses around here or my neighbours.

"We feel the nightclubs have ganged up on us with no information on our intentions.''

The nightclub owners object to the licence being granted because they say that The Victoria pub is not a suitable place for a nightclub and will be detrimental to public order in the prem-ises and in the area generally.

Kevin and Nicky have been in the pub trade for more than 12 years and took on the Victoria's lease 18 months ago.

Kevin's application has to go before magistrates. The police are also objecting to the licence but neither the fire officer nor Swindon Council have any objections.

Neville Reese, manager of Destiny and Desire, said: "Does the town need anymore 77s? We have Eros which is not particularly busy and many others who will suffer. There is no need for more. There is not enough people to fill the venues.''

The Brunel Rooms and Vadims nightclubs declined to comment. The managing director of the Mission nightclub was unavailable.

Is there a need in Swin-don for a late night live music venue? Write to: The Editor, Evening Advertiser, 100 Vic-toria Road, Swindon SN1 3BE.