POLICE and residents in Wimborne are expressing grave concerns over plans by a town centre pub to serve alcohol 24 hours a day.

Owners of the Cricketers Arms in Park Lane are also applying to play live music until 2am between Thursdays and Saturdays and until midnight on Sundays.

The application, which goes before East Dorset District Council on Friday, November 18, has sparked strong protests from local people who claim they are already having to put up with disturbances caused by late-night drinkers.

In a report to the council's licensing sub-committee, licensing officer for Dorset Police Caroline Wateridge said: "In respect of the application for a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week supply of alcohol, there are very considerable police concerns as to the impact that could potentially have on crime and disorder and prevention of public nuisances."

Landlord Steven Ruscoe says the main reason he wants flexibility for supplying alcohol is to cater for early morning sporting matches. He says he would not be looking to trade beyond 2am.

Mrs Wateridge said she would be prepared to allow the sale of alcohol for sporting events if police were given a suitable period of notice and if the premises were closed before the events were shown.

Protesters say they are worried about an increase in noise and anti-social behaviour if the application is approved.

Meanwhile, proposals by Wimborne Kebab House to open until 5am, have also met with objections.

Owner Kasim Cahir says in reality he will probably stay open until midnight on Monday, Tuesday and Sunday, 12.30am on Thursday and 1.30am on Friday and Saturday.

First published: November 8