MR SMITH'S nightclub is set to stay open later at weekends, while its managers are looking to encourage an older clientele.

Club owner J G Smith was given permission to open until 2.30am on Friday and Saturday nights by the licensing committee on Tuesday.

Clr Joan Harpin, representing Fairfield and Howley, had objected to the application. "There are clearly enough problems generated in the town centre already without a further extension," she said.

Chris Hanratty, speaking for Mr Smith's, said the new licence enables clubbers to keep dancing but the bar will still close at 2am.

"People will leave half an hour later and that will reduce the congestion in the town centre in terms of most people fighting for taxis."

He also argued that the extra half hour would give revellers a chance to sober up before they leave the club.

Earlier this year Mr Smith's was granted a provisional licence to increase capacity to 1450 provided the club makes some structural changes including a larger stage downstairs and a quieter area upstairs for more mature clubbers.

Mr Hanratty said: "In the future it might be possible for parents to attend 18th and 21st birthday parties upstairs, where the rest of the family can sit quietly."