A Wetherspoon pub has launched a bid to stay open into the early hours - sparking fears of more noise and anti-social behaviour.

The Peter Cushing in Whitstable High Street has lodged plans with Canterbury City Council to extend its hours to as late 1am.

Bosses from the boozer insist staff will keep noise levels to a minimum and respect "the rights of our neighbours to the quiet enjoyment of their homes and businesses".

But town councillor Val Kenny worries the move will lead to more residents being disturbed in the middle of the night.

"I am sure many of the people who live in Whitstable will be greatly upset and concerned by this proposal," the Labour politician told KentOnline.

"We have more than 40 late-night drinking establishments in the centre of town and we surely don't need another. It really isn’t acceptable.

"People's lives could be disturbed by increased traffic, noise, pollution - all the issues that go along with extended drinking hours.

"Where there is alcohol there tends to be antisocial behaviour."

Cllr Kenny says there are already "quite a lot of issues of people in the area being disturbed at night" in the centre of the town.

"I sympathise with all businesses in Whitstable who have had a tough year and have mounting bills, but I fail to see how extending the hours of establishments that are not family friendly is a solution," she added.

"What we actually need are establishments that are family-friendly - places you could take your granny or your granddaughter to."

But in documents submitted to the local authority, Wetherspoon bosses stress this will not be the case.

They say the venue will continue to operate without music and stress they do not offer "irresponsible drinks promotions such as happy hours".

"It is the policy of JD Wetherspoon that all of our venues will operate in such a way so as to not cause a negative impact on our neighbours," the company adds.

"We will ensure that staff are made aware of the need to respect the rights of our neighbours to the quiet enjoyment of their homes, businesses and other activities.

"The nature of our food and drink offer and pricing encourages a range of customers including families and pensioners to our premises, creating an atmosphere in which troublesome customers do not feel comfortable.

"These premises will not offer music which would encourage a younger clientele."

Prior to Wetherspoon's request having been made to the council, the chain says it consulted with residents, police and the local authority, and heard no objections to the plans.

Currently the pub's hours are 8am to 11.30pm Sunday to Wednesday and 8am to midnight Thursday to Saturday.

If given the green light, it will instead remain open until 12.30am on weeknights and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

A separate bid by Wetherspoon to extend the hours until which the pub can serve alcohol is expected to be lodged with the city council.

Wetherspoon has been contacted for further comment.