A town centre pub in Worthing is expected to lose its bid to open until 2am at weekends after a storm of protest from neighbours.

The owners of the former Fathom and Firkin in Worthing, now called The Assembly, wanted to extend its public entertainment licence from 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

They also wanted to extend it from 10.30pm to 11pm on Thursdays.

The aim was to tie in with the Chapel Road pub's new image and recent refurbishment to help it deal with increased competition from other town centre pubs.

A Worthing Council licensing panel is expected to refuse the application at its next meeting on the grounds it would cause too much disruption to local residents.

The council received 31 letters of objection to the application. Residents fear it would mean more late night noise, antisocial behaviour from groups going home and risk of damage to cars and property.

Police also objected, saying it would set a precedent for other pubs in the area.

A spokesman said: "The issue is that large numbers of young people will be attracted to the area, most of whom will consume alcohol.

"They will linger in the area instead of going home. Such gatherings of young people in these circumstances will inevitably lead to conflicts which are likely to involve crime and other antisocial behaviour."

The council has a policy to allow nightclubs to open until 2am but not pubs and bars. Worthing police say the system should not be changed.

Council environment chief Haydn Smith said: "The closing hour applied for is later than that enjoyed by all other similar venues within the borough.

"There would be obvious potential for late migration from nearby establishments by customers who wish to take advantage of the extra period for drinking and entertainment."

The licensing panel will discuss the application on Tuesday.