CLUBBERS will be able to dance the night away until 4am for the first time in York, following a landmark ruling.

Licensing councillors have given bosses at Toffs, in Toft Green, permission to open the 860-people capacity club for an extra two hours, seven days a week.

Manager Ed Gallagher said he was "delighted" with the decision, which could pave the way for the city's other night spots to open their doors later.

As part of the agreement, a team of four door staff from the club will police the surrounding streets, after residents raised fears of increased noise, litter and violence.

They will discourage revellers from using Barker Lane, a notorious rat run for late night drinkers between Toft Green and Micklegate. Police welcomed the move, the first of its kind in the city, which will see four trained workers in fluorescent jackets on the street from 2am onwards.

Cones will also be placed at either end of Barker Lane, but will be removed if motorists need access.

Councillor Keith Hyman, who chaired the meeting, said no one would be allowed into the premises after 1.30am and alcohol sales will stop at 3.30am.

Micklegate council David Evans, pictured above, said residents objected to the extra hours on the grounds that it will affect their quality of life.

The panel was told that six residents had formally objected, including the Venerable Richard Seed, Archdeacon of York, pictured right, who complained that the move would be "detrimental" to the neighbourhood.

Mr Gallagher said he did not think drinking habits in York would change significantly once the new hours came into effect on November 24.

He said that the club would react to customer demand, and may well not open until the latest possible hour every day.

Speaking about the street marshals, he added: "I think it will make a massive difference -particularly if we get people away from Barker Lane and up or down the hill instead. That's what we want to achieve."

Licensing legal expert Jeremy Allen, who represented Toffs, said police welcomed the marshals. He said the civilian workers would be able to contact the police about any trouble through the radio system that door staff already operate.

He said: "The only aim is that if somebody was thinking about behaving antisocially, then they would turn around and see somebody in a fluorescent jacket, and that would deter them."

Toffs is owned by Luminar Leisure, which also manages The Gallery in nearby Clifford Street. An identical application by that business to extend its hours has been submitted to the council.

Updated: 09:46 Tuesday, August 16, 2005