A DISAPPOINTED tearoom owner who is desperate to extend his opening hours to cater for the needs of his predominantly elderly customer base is hoping to get another bite of the cherry.

Lord Raymond Digweed, who took over the Ducking Stool Tearooms in Christchurch three months ago, applied to Christchurch Borough Council for an extension to his opening hours after numerous requests from loyal customers.

He was hoping to change from opening from 10am-5pm to 8am-9pm, meaning people could pop in for a bite to eat in the evening.

But the application was turned down by the council’s planning department, who said that the proposed extension of trading hours would lead to an increase in noise, disturbance and general nuisance in the quiet part of the town.

But Lord Digweed, 50, said: “It is absurd. Ninety-five per cent of my customers are elderly and 200 of them signed a petition saying they would support the longer opening hours.

“How rowdy do the council think older people are? Many people just want to go out for a quiet meal away from rowdy pubs and expensive restaurants, to somewhere they know and like.

“The council should be helping and promoting businesses that are striving to stay alive in this climate by supporting us. If I wanted to open a night club or hold live music nights then I would understand, but it is a closed restaurant with people having a bite to eat.”

Giles Moir, development control manager at Christchurch council said: “The tea rooms are very close to residential dwellings and we had a number of objections from local people to the application.

“Although the owner may say that his business is for older people, there would be no control over the customers who could use his establishment as it is open to everyone.”

Lord Digweed says he is appealing against the decision.