WYRE licensing officials have vowed to "stamp down" on after closing time following a council decision to impose conditions on the operation of Poulton nightclubs.

The decision was made during a meeting of the Wyre Borough Council Licensing Committee on January 29, which was gathered to discuss the renewal of Public Entertainment Licences at The Hub and The Residence nightspots.

After more than almost nine hours in session it was decided to renew both licences but impose a 12.30am admission cut-off point for The Hub.

And, more controversially, shortened The Residence opening hours from 2am to 1am, subject to future appeal by management.

But - despite divided public opinion over the decision - committee chairman Alf Coop claims the ruling was taken after hearing evidence from police, club management and members of the public.

And says The Residence decision was designed to "send out a message" to other club management.

Cllr Alf Coop said: "Overcrowding is a huge issue in Poulton - in both bars and nightclubs.

"On the recommendations of the police we took the decision to shorten The Residence opening hours in an effort to stamp down on this and send out the message that we are determined to put a halt to this potential public hazard.

"Managers throughout the town will have their Public Entertainment Licences taken away if they are deemed to be letting in more people than their official capacity.

"We are trying to reel them in before an accident occurs and stagger custom in Poulton's nightclubs to avoid surges of revellers causing a nuisance after 2am.

"Our experience is that the later these nightclubs are open, the later people will visit them and it's just a matter of encouraging people to alter their Friday and Saturday night routines.

"As we see it The Residence will now have to alter their set-up to accommodate these changes .

But management at The Residence have confirmed that they are to launch an appeal with Wyre Magistrates after official written confirmation of the committee decision arrives.

And - as the appeal process may take months to complete - will be operating under normal business hours of 10pm to 2am on Friday and Saturday.

A club spokesman said: "We respect the fact that the council committee members have a difficult task under circumstances such as these.

"And we are always willing to listen to any suggestions they may have on the running of The Residence or in maintaining Poulton's presence on the local nightlife circuit.

"But without a shadow of a doubt we will be appealing against this decision."