MUDEFORD residents have said they are ‘horrified’ by a pub’s application to extend opening hours and voiced concerns about disorderly behaviour in the area.

Around 25 residents have written letters of objection and signed documents stating their opposition to the planned changes and loud music at the Sandpiper Pub in Mudeford.

A New Year’s Eve attack at the Sandpiper in 2010 saw a man partially blinded with a snooker cue. The brawl was described by a police officer as ‘one of the largest pub fights I had ever seen.’

The Sandpiper in Bure Lane has now entered an application to extend opening hours to 1am and allow live music until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Paul Henkel, who lives on the road behind the Sandpiper, said: “I was absolutely horrified when I heard and I could not believe they were extending the hours.

“This application would transform a family-oriented pub into a late night entertainment venue for which the location is entirely inappropriate.

“The proposals would attract irresponsible young people into the area and unavoidably generate significant potential for disorder both in the vicinity and the nearby cliff top and beach.

“There are already problems with boisterous behaviour, littering, graffiti and damage to plants and young trees.”

The deadline for letters of objection is October 27 and the application will be made to a hearing of the Licensing Sub-Committee in November.

Mudeford councillor Claire Bath said: “Any previous issues with the pub will be taken into consideration along with the residents’ views.

“Anyone with concerns can contact me or the other ward councillors.”

A spokesperson for the Sandpiper, said: “As a responsible retailer, we pride ourselves on providing a safe and comfortable environment for our customers as well as local residents.

“We wish to assure our neighbours that the proposed amendments to the license our family friend pub do not mean significant changes to the way we operate. They would simply allow us extra flexibility to be able to serve the needs of our customers.

“We will, of course, consider carefully any concerns raised in our discussions with the relevant parties.”