SUPPORTERS of a Marlow pub have leapt to its defence after neighbours criticised the landlord’s controversial attempt to open until 4am at weekends.

Michael Kellas from the Cross Keys wants to extend his licensing hours by over an hour on Friday and Saturday - a move which drew an angry response from residents who fear an increase in anti-social behaviour.

But customers and supporters of the pub back Mr Kellas’s claims that the later closing will actually help ease the current problem of loud revellers pouring out at closing time.

And the council has been inundated with 60 letters of support so far, compared to 44 in opposition to the plans.

Customer Nikki Allen took to Facebook to say: "I think it's a great idea all my girls and their mates go there and there is no more trouble there than there is in High Wycombe or any other town.

"My lot feel safe there, the owner and door men are good and that's what matters!!!!"

Mr Kellas’s view is that with smaller groups of people leaving the pub at different times, it will cause less overall noise and make it easier to spot troublemakers and ban them.

Asked about the extension, supporter Kelly Lovering told the MFP: "Good, it will stagger the times people leave.

"Meaning not everyone will be falling out onto the streets at any one time. Nice for somewhere local to drink that's open late. Without having to pay for taxis to travel further afield for the extra drinking time."

Neighbours have complained that the shouting, fighting, glass smashing and loud revving engines they say already blights their lives will be made worse if revellers are allowed to stay later.

But opponents say there is no way of proving where the trouble on the streets stems from, given there are several pubs in Marlow open until after midnight.

Marlow resident Alexander Ward, 22, said: "What of those late night revellers, the majority of whom are law-abiding citizens?

"The Cross Keys, whether the neighbours like it or not, is a cornerstone of Marlow’s community and its inability to cater for the population would be a significant detraction.

"Concerns have been raised as to the viability of the pub should this licence be turned down - in which case the Cross Keys will be added to the growing list of Marlow pubs that have had to shut down.

"It’s not the residents extending the olive branch here, but the Cross Keys itself - having said that the licence would be introduced on a trial basis, provides the opportunity to abandon the venture, should it not work."

Other Marlovians think the pub should be given a chance to see if the plan works.

John Yeatman, a committee member at Marlow Rowing Club, said on Facebook: "If they think the market is there, I think they should be allowed to try. If it does result in more disturbance and anti-social behavior, then their license should be taken away PDQ [pretty darn quick]."

And Matt Carvell added: "Surely before choosing a place to live you should take those sorts of things into consideration. I think all the older lot in Marlow are forgetting what it's like to be younger and have fun.

"I don't particularly go to the keys much but it would kill the town to lose the Keys as it's the life of the town on the weekends at night. Let them try it and see if it helps with the trouble."

The controversial proposal will be considered by WDC’s Planning Committee on October 8.