RESIDENTS in Bretforton are fighting moves to allow late night drinking and outdoor entertainment at their historic village pub, The Fleece Inn.

Landlord Nigel Smith has applied to Wychavon District Council for a variation of his current licence which would add up to two hours to the present opening hours and bring a range of sporting and arts events to the National Trust-owned property.

He wants to be able to supply alcohol until 1am weekdays and midnight on Sunday with a further extension over the Christmas period to 2am and 3am on New Year's Eve.

But neighbours claim that this is "not in keeping with the character of an historical village inn" and fear that noise will be disruptive.

Five objections have been received by the District Council, which was due to consider the application yesterday.

They fear that the extended licence will attract late drinkers to the village and say that noise from the pub is already causing disruption.

However, Mr Smith said this week he had met with four of the five objectors and had reached a compromise agreement with them.

"We are a part of the village and we don't want to upset anyone," he said. "Those we have spoken to are happy with the proposals and those I have not been able to contact will be offered a compromise solution in court.

"I am optimistic this can be resolved amicably."

The Fleece Inn was one of six licences under discussion at the licensing committee yesterday.