VILLAGERS fear noise will turn Thunderbridge into a trouble hotspot if a pub gets a 3am late licence.

Bosses at The Woodman Inn have applied to serve alcohol from 10am until 3am - and drinkers will not be forced to leave for a further 30 minutes after last orders.

They also want to be able to play both live or recorded music until 2.30am. All the extensions apply for every day of the week.

But people living nearby have flooded Kirklees Licensing Department with pleas to reject the late night opening.

Parish councillor Mike Greetham said people were worried about added noise and drunken behaviour in the early hours.

"There is noise now at closing time, but people get used to living with it and do not necessarily mind," he said.

"But changing those times so the pub can serve until 3am is just ludicrous.

"In a town or city centre you could understand it, but in a quiet area like this I cannot see how it will be a success.

"Another problem may be people travelling here by car for a late drink. That would increase traffic and noise.

"It is not fair that people could be woken up at 3am in the middle of the week when they have to get up for work the next day.

"A fairer time would be something like half past midnight or even earlier."

More than 20 angry letters of objection have already been received by council officers, including one from Clr Christine Smith who said `a late licence would be detrimental not only to The Woodman's reputation, but also to the harmony with which the residents and the pub have existed for quite a while.'

The Licensing Panel was meeting today to discuss the application.

* Calderdale Council will also consider three applications for later licences.

The landlord of Martins Nest pub in Bradford Road, Brighouse, wants to increase opening hours until midnight from Thursday to Saturday.

Rastrick Constitutional Club in Church Street is applying to stay open until 1am seven days a week.

And bosses at Mellor's Bar in Greenhead Lane, Rastrick, want to serve until midnight Sunday to Thursday and 2am at weekends.

Decisions are expected tomorrow.