FEARS have been raised that crime and disorder could rise if a Bournemouth bar/restaurant is granted a licence extension.

Turtle Bay, in the Citrus Building in Horseshoe Common, has applied to open until 1.30am on Friday and Saturday nights - an hour later than the current licence - with alcohol sales and music ceasing at 1am.

The plan is opposed by Dorset Police and by two town centre ward councillors, one of whom said the area is notorious for crime.

Responding to the application, Cllr David Smith said: “The Horseshoe Common area has one of the worst records for crime and disorder in the town and later hours being allowed in this case could make the situation worse.”

He added: “The area is extremely busy well into the night and creates a lot of noise and disorder.

“Allowing later opening hours will only add to the problem.”

Cllr Robert Chapman echoed his concerns.

The bar is sited in the town centre ‘cumulative impact area’ where there is a presumption against extending alcohol licences.

PC Steve Lemon said: “Dorset Police are of the opinion that with the increase in trading hours there will be a negative impact on the cumulative impact.”

He said the firm had failed to prove otherwise in its application.

The Citrus Building was built by the Bournemouth Development Company - a council initiative - and the other floors contain flats.

Residents and the building management company have also written to object to the plans.

One, Rafael Marote, said: “When we bought this flat, we were promised that they would only have license to be open until 12.30am on the weekends and that was the only reason we decided to move there.”

Another, Iain Melrose, said: “When we were sold our apartments the commercial unit had not been let.

“We were told to expect a restaurant or coffee bar which would help to promote a cafe culture in the area.

“That has not been the case with Turtle Bay in my opinion.”

Another, anonymous, said: “We already have to suffer so much noise and cooking smells and it is simply not acceptable for the council to allow this situation to worsen.

“Everyone should be entitled to a good night’s sleep?”

The plan will be discussed by the council’s licensing board on Tuesday, September 27.