PUB chain Wetherspoons told licensing magistrates six months ago that its pub in Albert Road, Widnes, would not be applying to stay open later, the World has learned.

The pub now wants to stay open until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights, and to 1.30am during the week.

But in October the company's solicitors sent a letter to Halton magistrates saying the pub had no intention of applying for a special hours certificate.

A company spokesperson said it couldn't fully comment on the letter but said: "I don't know the reason for the change in policy was made but the letter was sent out in good faith."

People living nearby are worried about the potential for noise from delivery vans, and of disorder in the streets.

Heather Southern, on Midland Street, said: "There's Victoria Square as well and they can't police both ends of the town at the same time."

The World asked the police about this, but a police spokesman said he could not comment until the application had been decided.

Ellie Garaven, of Midland Street, said: "This might only be the start of pubs applying to stay open."

And Harry Jones, of Midland Street, said: "This is going to be the bench mark for the rest of the town."

The Wetherspoons spokesperson said: "The pub has been a great success and it will be run to the same high standards in the early hours of the morning.

"We are serious about making the pub part of the community and we haven't had any problems in the past.

"If it does open for longer hours it won't cause any problems."