PLANS to extend the opening hours of an Abertillery nightclub have sparked public outcry among neighbours and police.

An application to extend the opening hours of The Arena, Carmel Street, to 1am on Sundays and 12.30am on Mondays have left neighbours living around the popular nightspot up in arms.

They claim they already suffer enough at the hands of revellers making noise, vandalising property, urinating and even having sex outside their homes.

The application by owner Andrew Boulton would also see the venue licenced to open until 1am throughout the week and extend the entry cut-off point from 10.30pm to 11.30pm, although he says he only plans to open the club on weekends.

Blaenau Gwent council licencing committee has received 16 letters from locals who say the extra hours will add to problems.

Ben York, 74 of Chapel street, said: "We don't get a lot of peace already around here. "The turnout is in our back yard and it can get quite rowdy."

Vera Edwards, 85 of King Street, who also lives nearby said she can't sleep until the revellers have gone home because they make so much noise coming out of the pubs and clubs in the area.

Gwent police have also written in to the council with objections.

PC John Elstone said that increased late night activity in the area could lead to more crime and disorder offences, cause difficulties with traffic and "further reduce the quality of life of local residents."

He also said variations to the Arena's license would mean an increase of police time and resources in the area.

Mr Boulton said he reduced the hours on his application after meeting with the police to discuss their concerns and said he was unaware that residents had problems with the venue.

He says the extention on the licence is only by an extra half an hour each night.

"I can't see how it will make a major difference," he said.

"The entry time I'm asking for is no different from some other places.

"All I want is the same thing as any other town, why should Abertillery be so restricted? It's not fair."

The application will go before Blaenau Gwent's Licensing sub-committee tomorrow.