A NOTORIOUS nightclub with a reputation for violent crime has applied to extend its opening hours.

The Venue, Clifton Rise, New Cross, which has been labelled a "hotspot for street crime, drugs and firearms", wants to serve alcohol until 5am Monday to Friday and 6am on Saturday.

But police have criticised the proposal and say longer hours will mean more crime, disorder and public nuisance.

Officers have compiled records of the 271 times police have attended the bar in the last year.

And the catalogue of crime has been posted to Lewisham Council's licensing committee in an attempt to quash the plans.

A final decision will be made at the meeting in Lewisham Town Hall tomorrow night.

The list includes 96 incidents of disturbance, 86 of violence, 30 incidents where police back-up was called, eight of drunkeness, two where suspects had knives, six where guns were used, and five involving drugs.

Another 30 incidents were also recorded in a micellaneous catagory.

Derek Astley, police licensing officer for Lewisham, who compiled the figures, said 238 of the calls reporting crime at the nightclub were made between the hours of midnight and 6am.

A police spokesman said: "In Lewisham we want to work in partnership with licensees to address and solve problems of crime and disorder.

"Our statistics show we receive a high volume of calls to The Venue and the immediate vicinity, therefore we are opposing its application for extended licensing hours."

Staff who work for the charity Street Pastors, which is based in Catford, have witnessed fights outside the club and rowdy behaviour related with late-night drinking.

Street Pastors co-ordinator Eustace Constance said: "We have come across many fights as a result of people having too much too drink.

"I agree with the police and hope permission is not granted. We need to be curbing the consumption of alcohol not extending the problem. It will be a greater strain on police, who will have to be out there longer."

Ward councillor Stephen Padmore said: "I don't support the selling of alchol until 5am. It is a serious issue and the problem of anti-social behaviour could get worse if the club gets permission."

The Venue owner Dan Dowling says thousands visit his club every year and customers felt safe and secure while enjoying their night out.

He said: "We feel we have always had a good working relationship with the police and we are ready and willing to address any concerns they may have now."