EXTENDED opening hours for a popular nightclub have been refused amid fears it would increase pressure on the police.

The Bullingdon in Cowley Road, Oxford, initially wanted to be able to serve alcohol until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays instead of the current 2.30am closing time.

But councillors decided on Monday to reject the application for various reasons including a growing crime rate despite the owners saying they would accept 3am.

On behalf of the applicants lawyer Jon Payne said: “We are disappointed to have been knocked back at this stage having gone through the consultation to start with.

“We are very pleased with the response objectors gave in regards to the premises being operated well and recognising it as an asset to the community.

He added that each application should be considered ‘on its own merit’ and they will now consider their next step.

As reported in the Oxford Mail on Saturday Thames Valley Police formally objected to the application saying that policing in the area was in a 'delicate state'.

Acting sergeant Neil Bouse told the meeting one of their main priorities in the area was anti-social behaviour.

He said: "In the past 12 months incidents have risen by 31 per cent.

"There has also been a 21 per cent increase in violent crimes which again cannot be attributed to a particular premises but we would say that is likely to further increase if a greater number of people are under the influence of alcohol.”

The applicants argued that there hadn't been any incidents reported in relation to The Bullingdon since the new owners took over two years ago and councillors agreed the club was well-managed.

But after nearly two hours of deliberations Oxford city councillors upheld the force’s concerns and rejected the extended serving hours.

They felt it could lead to added pressures on the police and a rise in antisocial behaviour.

Oxford City Council has a policy in place for East Oxford and the city centre meaning they generally reject applications for amendments to licences and new licences in those areas.

This is because of concerns around alcohol related disorder and antisocial behaviour.

Chairman of the committee Colin Cook said: “We thought that the conditions offered did not improve on the existing circumstances and we are not satisfied that the application showed there would not be a rise in anti social behaviour.”

Following the decision Divinity Road Residents Association chairman Nick Welch said: “The decision goes some way to keeping some sort of balance, although there are still many problems in the area.

“I go down the Cowley Road regularly and don’t like to go on a Wednesday or Thursday night, it's unlit and there are lots of people drinking.

“Although The Bullingdon is well-run not all premises are the same” `