THE row brewing over the Ainsworth Arms pub takes a new development today (Tues Jan 22) when licensing bosses will discuss the case.

The manager of the Bury and Bolton Road pub, David Allcock, has applied for an entertainment licence. But residents fear that if granted, it would result in an increase in noise and other disturbances.

James Hennessey, who lives across the road from the pub, is co-ordinating the opposition. He said: "This place is not suited to late functions of any kind, it is a residential area."

More than 60 objections have been lodged with Bury Council's licensing committee.

Mr Allcock, who has been in the business since 1968, has stressed that the licence is only being sought so that late functions, such as wedding anniversaries, can be held. He has also offered to talk to any residents who have a problem with the application.

But Mr Hennessey said: "With all his experience he is still unable to prevent bottles being thrown into gardens, cars revving up in the car park, taxis sounding their horns until 11.30pm and fights breaking out.

"This illustrates the things to come and the levels of control currently exercised."