RESIDENTS are opposing plans for a pub to open until 2am seven days a week.

The Deptford Arms in Deptford High Street has applied to Lewisham Council's licensing committee to extend its current opening hours.

It wants to extend its hours from 1am until 2am from Monday to Saturday and from midnight to 2am on Sundays.

The pub also wants to be allowed to provide live music until 2am all week.

However, both police and residents say this will only worsen the current noise and crime levels in the area.

Police fear longer licensing hours will lead to more drink-fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour around the pub.

And residents feel problems with noise will only get worse if the plans go ahead.

Princess Louise Tenants and Residents Association chairman Ron Savill believes granting the extension will only lead to more trouble.

The 72-year-old, of Fletcher Path, Deptford, said: "We have enough problems in this area with drunks cluttering up the centre of the high street.

"Fights, noise, theft and public drunkenness is rife, especially on market days."

Mr Savill says residents are already affected by music, arguments and fighting on the street and many are kept awake at night.

He said: "There are parents with children above the bar, and there are 290 dwellings just 50 yards from the site."

In her report to the licensing committee, Lewisham police licensing officer Sergeant Tracy Sharpe said officers have responded to numerous incidents at the pub.

She said during one incident a customer left the pub and tried to sell crack cocaine to a police informant.

Residents intend to voice their opposition when it comes before the licensing committee on June 26.

Anyone wanting to oppose the plans can call Mr Savill on 020 8692 9704.

The pub owner declined to comment.