PLANS to keep one of York's biggest pubs open into the early hours have resulted in a flood of protest letters to licensing chiefs.

More than 20 people living near Wetherspoon's Postern Gate pub in Piccadilly have written to City of York Council, raising strong objections to the pub operator's application to keep the premises open until 2am, and until 3am on special occasions such as Burns Night and patron saints' days.

Objections have also been received from police, fire and environmental officers.

PC David Boag, North Yorkshire Police licensing officer, said in a letter to council officials that police had concerns about the likely impact on crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance and protection of children if the pub was allowed to stay open late.

Fiona Davies, an environmental protection officer for the council, said in an email that revellers drinking into the early hours would be likely to disturb neighbours, with noise from "people on foot, shouting, arguing and singing".

She said: "Noise is also likely to arise from people leaving by taxi or private cars - car doors slamming, engines revving, tyre squeal. These types of noise are more likely to cause a nuisance in the early hours."

Local resident Roger Cropper, of Piccadilly, said in his protest letter: "Under the present arrangements, we are regularly disturbed by drunken noise, but this disappears by 11.30pm.

"We rarely go out after 10pm because of the effects of binge-drinking and yobbish behaviour, but if this proposal is allowed we will have these effects literally brought home to us, to the detriment of our sleep, health, peace of mind and loyalty to York itself."

But a supporting document from the pub operator said it had put in place several measures to stop yobbish drinking in its branches.

It said: "We realise that we sell alcohol and therefore must do our best to create a safe and convivial atmosphere for customers and staff, which we are confident we have done."

Wetherspoon's spokesman Eddie Gershon said the chain's legal chief and a senior operations manager were attending a mediation meeting with police and the council on Monday, before the licensing hearing on Friday.

He said: "We are aware of objections from local residents and police."

The pub currently shuts at 11pm on weekdays and 10.30pm on Sundays.

Under the proposals, as well as opening until later, it would also be able to open at 7am every day except Friday and Saturday.

Updated: 10:32 Monday, May 16, 2005