TWO councillors have pledged to give up last orders at the pub to ensure a new takeaway sticks to opening hours.

Darwen councillors Dave Smith and Paul Browne told Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning and highways committee they would be keeping an eye on the fast-food shop in Bridge Street, Darwen.

Local councillors Sue Reid and Dave Hollings successfully argued for an 11pm closing time to prevent disturbance to people living nearby.

Owners of businesses in Bridge Street wrote to object to the proposals. One argued it would lead to an increase in litter and discarded food, while the owner of a bakery said problems with noise, litter and disruption would escalate because the takeaway would attract people after the pubs closed.

Bridge Street Chiropody Surgery also objected . In a letter the owners said: "With the Millstone and The Circus pubs so close, it is inevitable that this takeaway will be used mainly by late night revellers, resulting in fighting, broken windows, noise, litter and discarded food."

The committee approved the application with an 11pm closing time condition.

But Coun Paul Browne, a Darwen councillor and leader of the Lib Dem group, said: "I have little faith in that condition.

"There is another takeaway in Darwen which has been breaking the rules for years and nothing seems to be done about it. If we approve it, we need to know it will be enforced."

Darwen councillor Dave Smith said: "Paul is known to drink in the Bridge Street area, as do I, and I will have no objection in going out at 10.30pm and making sure it is closed by 11pm. People need to know about the restrictions and I am sure any breaches will be reported. I will be watching out for it."

Coun Browne said: "I certainly shall be looking out for any breaches, even if it means leaving early to do so."