A WIRRAL pub is asking to be allowed to stay open until 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays. However, the application is being challenged by dozens of people living nearby ahead of a decision by Wirral Council next week.

The Sandridge on Rowson Street in New Brighton is operated by Ridge Bar and Diner Limited. It’s asking to stay open to 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays and sell alcohol and provide late night refreshment until 2am on those days.

Other than that, its hours haven’t changed. This means the pub will still only have permission to show films, sporting events, and play recorded music until half past midnight. The pub will also only be able to play live music until 11.30pm.

The pub had originally asked to sell alcohol until 2am and stay open until 3am seven days a week but following discussions with the police, this was dropped.

Merseyside Police are also happy for the pub to stay open until 2am on the Sunday and Monday on bank holiday weekends as well as Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. A number of conditions have also been put forward by police such as CCTV, staff training, and a Challenge 25 policy.

However, the pub is being challenged by a number of people in the nearby area who have concerns about the plans. 28 people have written in voicing concerns while a petition, presented by New Brighton councillor Tony Jones, has been sent in which has been signed by 56 people.

According to a council report, these concerns relate to “anti-social behaviour which the residents consider is currently a problem caused by customers of the premises” and “there is also reference to noise nuisance from entertainment emanating from the premises and customers leaving at a late hour.”

No representations have been registered by Environmental Health, which regulates noise issues, or Merseyside Police, which tackles issues around crime, anti-social behaviour, and public disorder. The Sandridge was approached for comment.