A nightclub’s bid to extend its opening hours has been refused after police raised concerns about the owner’s ability to operate three town centre venues and “contempt for the law” after receiving 175 parking tickets.

James McDonald had submitted a request to Durham County Council seeking to extend K2 and The Union's operating hours in Consett to 3:30am.

The Front Street establishment is currently permitted to remain open until 2am, while neighbouring venues Chaplains and Singers are authorised to trade until 3am.

However, a Durham County Council licensing committee rejected the most recent application due to police concerns surrounding anti-social behaviour.

Durham Constabulary said the venue's licence is currently under suspension owing to outstanding licence fee payments.

In a

See Full Page