OBJECTIONS from the police have halted plans for another 'superpub' in Preston town centre.

Councillors deferred a decision on a proposal from Bass Leisure retail -- which wanted to transform the old TSB bank in Church Street into the town's largest pub, covering two floors and catering for 1,000 people -- after listening to objections from the police.

Officers said another pub in an already popular area of town could only aggravate alcohol problems in the area.

Under the terms of the Crime and Disorder Act, councillors have to do all they can to prevent crime. But that directive conflicts with the council's duty to find a use for the Church Street building, which has been empty for three years and ignored by prospective retailers.

Now the police's concerns will be investigated.

A spokesman for Preston police said: "Our figures show that people are 10 times more likely to be assaulted in Church Street than any other street in town.

"Preston has become a no-go area for many people.

"Judge Brian Duckworth refused an appeal for a pub in Manchester Road in 1998 because the town centre is flashpoint for potential violence.

"Another pub will only increase crime."

But a spokesman for Bass, who hope the pub will become the 33rd in the Edward's chain, said: "We are in discussions with the police and planning officers and we are looking at installing CCTV.

"Our pubs are run by professionals and our investment would help raise the overall standards in the area."