AN Upton pub is being allowed to open until midnight every day, despite vocal opposition from local residents.

Neighbours of the Talbot Head Hotel, in the town's High Street, recounted a litany of complaints at a licensing hearing yesterday (Thursday).

Among their accusations were noise from amplified music outside the pub late at night, rowdy behaviour, swearing, fighting and other anti-social conduct.

John Lear, of the White Lion Hotel, said his customers were kept awake by music and rowdiness. "It's an irresponsible way to run a pub. It's destroying our business," he said.

Neighbour Dave Walker said: "We've seen over the years enormous problems at this place."

Lavender Beard, another neighbour, said the music one night during the jazz festival was the loudest she had ever heard.

Barrister Carol Knotts told the hearing that licensee Susan Colley had taken over in May after the previous manager had been sacked for "gross mismanagement".

Mrs Colley has since been dealing with the problems left over from then.

The pub had applied to open to midnight, and to 1am over Bank Holiday weekends.

Malvern Hills District Council's licensing subcommittee granted the extra hours, but with a number of conditions.

The outdoor areas must be closed and cleared of customers by 11pm every night without fail. No alcohol can be supplied or sold outdoors, nor can there be any speakers or amplifiers there.

Music and entertainment inside must stop by 11pm and noise-limiting equipment must be used. Windows and doors must be kept closed while music is being played.

The new licensing regime comes into force on November 24.