RESIDENTS have threatened to take their case to the Local Government Ombudsman after a pub was granted permission to extend its opening hours.

They are furious the Hogshead pub, Sidcup High Street, has been allowed to change its planning permission so it can stay open 30 minutes later at night.

There was confusion among the public and councillors at Bexley Council's planning committee meeting when planning officers claimed in reality, the pub would only be open for 10 minutes longer.

It was revealed although the pub only has planning permission to open until 11pm during the week and 10.30pm on Sunday, it was accepted practice within Bexley's planning and enforcement department to allow pubs an extra 20 minutes leeway outside their permitted hours, to cover drinking-up time.

The hours of the pub had been restricted in its original planning permission "to ensure it does not prejudice the amenities enjoyed by occupiers of properties in the vicinity".

Geoff Willing, speaking on behalf of St John's and Craybrook Residents' Association and Sidcup Town Partnership said there had been more than 50 letters of objection to the extension.

He added there was a home for sick and terminally ill pensioners directly behind the pub and flats above the adjacent shops.

He added: "Sidcup has an aging population unable to cope with late-night activity."

And he appealed: "Don't give away any more of the quality of life for Sidcup residents."

Jean Gee from Manor House Residents' Association warned: "People will still be hanging around the High Street area at midnight."

Ward councillor Aileen Beckwith told the planning committee: "Residents are fed up to the back teeth with what is going on.

"Their lives are blighted by people vomiting, urinating and dumping litter and with other anti-social behaviour."

She added residents of the town were united in opposing extensions to opening hours for any reason.

Other councillors were concerned by extending its opening hours, the pub would add more drinking-up time on top.

The committee approved the extension but added a condition saying all customers must be out of the premises by 11.30pm.