A TOWN centre fish bar has been granted an extended licence despite opposition from the police.

The Fisherman's Catch on Bates Hill will now open until 1am on Thursdays and until 3am Friday to Monday.

The decision, made by the licensing sub-committee on Friday, came after a police recommendation not to grant the extension because the area was already "blighted" by crime and disorder.

Police recommended a midnight closing time for the takeaway but committee chair Councillor Antonia Pulsford said they had decided to grant the extended licence.

"The general feeling of the committee was that the police had not made the case for showing that the problems were caused by the Fisherman's Catch being opened but by the amount of alcohol being consumed by people before they got there."

Licensing Officer Pc Simon Worley said: "Police did object to the application on the basis if the takeaway was closed at midnight, revellers would return home quicker and the problems reduced."

He added: "Redditch is a safe place, as long as revellers are sensible. Alcohol is a potent drug which will affect the way people behave, people who drink responsibly will normally have no problems in the town centre."