A town centre pub will rise from the ashes despite resdeint's concerns its revival will turn the churchyard into a public urinal.

The Phoenix, in Tufton Street, was granted a premises licence allowing it to open until 2.30am on weekends.

The popular bar closed in 2013 when previous owners, Bramwell Pubs and Bars, went into administration.

Today, an Ashford Borough Council (ABC) licensing sub committee meeting heard worried residents' fears that reopening the popular sports bar would increase antisocial behaviour in the area.

Speaking to the committee, Cllr Jeremy Adby, said: "Originally the residents handed in a petition the the local authority over concerns of antisocial behaviour.

"The churchyard passage was treated like a public urinal. I had my window smashed once. People were urinating in the churchyard, putting lit cigarettes through people’s letter boxes. There’s been very little of that since the Phoenix closed."

Another resident, Andrew Buchanan, agreed with Cllr Adby’s concerns and added: "My children were up screaming because of what was going on downstairs outside our house. There were bottle fights, shouting and urination. I called the police 33 times in one night."

But solicitor Clare Johnson, representing owners the Phoenix Pub Group Ltd said while she sympathised with the residents, their concerns were merely 'unsubstantiated speculation.'

She said: "Clearly it has been an unpleasant time for the residents in the past but a lot of these issues would have disappeared by the installation of the church yard gate that blocks off entrance after 10pm.

"The new company is prepared to run this premises in a proper fashion. There has been no representation from police and granting the licence will not undermine the prevention of crime and disorder.

"If proper evidence arises that we are operating contrary to the licensing objectives then we will be brought back to review."

Owners The Phoenix Pub Group ltd run 50 pubs around the country and took over the Phoenix in 2013.

Carl Malyan, Phoenix Pub Group Ltd area manager, said: "I want to open the Phoenix exactly as it was. Its a great daytime pub and weekend pub. We base the pubs in our group on being like Wetherspoons with fun."

Reading the conclusion, Cllr Bradford said: "It’s just personal opinion of that antisocial behaviour will return, there's no evidence. The sub committee was reassured by the commitment of the area manager to run a responsible premises, operate a door team and join the pub watch scheme. The application will be granted."

The Phoenix hopes to reopen by the end of the month.