A town centre bar will be allowed to open until 3.30am at weekends despite fears it will lead to increased disorder.

Missoula, in Head Street, has successfully applied for permission to open for an extra hour every night.

Colchester Council received objections to the proposals on the grounds the extended hours could lead to noise disturbance.

Austin Baines, of Colchester Civic Society, said: “The area is already subjected to much stress in the early hours and to grant consent will only serve to increase this.”

In a statement to planners, the bar’s owner said: “There have been no complaints raised by neighbours or town centre residents to any activity taking place at this Missoula unit."

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