THE results of a nightclub survey have been rubbished by a Canterbury city councillor who claims most residents want them to shut earlier. Cllr Nick Eden-Green was talking to members of the council's community services committee who were considering whether to make a "chill-out" hour operated by some clubs permanent.

The extra hour after normal closing time at 2am is supposed to be a calming down period during which the music is turned down and only soft drinks are served. It is aimed at reducing the impact of hundreds of clubbers all leaving at the same time in the early hours.

A survey of residents resulted in the majority asking for the scheme to be continued and it has now been made permanent by the city council, subject to annual review. But Cllr Nick Eden-Green said the information he gleaned from the survey suggested that most residents wanted clubs to close an hour earlier, not stay open later.

He said: "The so-called success of this survey is not borne out by the facts. The situation is still absolutely dreadful and the only reason there has been such a good response to this survey is because the residents are desperate for something to be done."

The scheme has also been monitored by police who have supported making it permanent although the council concedes it will not provide all the answers to late ni