A 'RAUCOUS' Royal British Legion club has denied claims it is to blame for vomiting, urinating and noise.

The revelations came as Sturminster Newton Royal British Legion (RBL) applied to extend its opening and licensing hours until 2am and asked for permission to play live and recorded music until midnight.

In a letter of complaint to North Dorset District Council, Keith and Maureen Dennis wrote: "There is much un-social and raucous behaviour emanating from the above branch.

"Our house in Pitts Orchard becomes a quick access to north of Sturminster Newton for those walking, but, en route, frequent vomiting, urinating and damage to plants occurs.

"After normal drinking hours in the town, the RBL will become a place for 'one for the road' drinkers, we fear."

Others claim the Royal British Legion club is a source of noise from patrons outside and cars "screeching off", while some claim their fences and plants have been damaged.

Sturminster Newton Town Council has also objected to the RBL extending its license.

Another resident wrote: "We have on several occasions witnessed young people in an intoxicated state, urinating, vomiting or lying unconscious in the car park or directly outside our home."

But the club claims any trouble is not its fault and says any antisocial behaviour that does occur outside in the car park stems from the town centre.

Nigel Parker, steward of the club, said: "A lot of kids seem to use the car park as a thoroughfare but we don't have any members under 21 so they're nothing to do with us.

"By and large our members are quite well behaved. We only want the extended licence for special occasions such as parties. It won't cause any more noise."

District councillors will make a decision on the proposed extended licensing hours at a meeting on Wednesday September 14.

First published: September 7