PUB landlords have "called time" on yet more licensed premises opening in Lancaster claiming the number of city centre boozers has reached saturation point.

With stiff competition from new superpubs forcing many back street locals to cut back staff hours, Lancaster and District Licensed Victuallers Association has declared enough is enough.

Several new pubs and bars have opened in the last couple of years and around five more are in the pipeline.

"We've got more than enough now," said victuallers secretary, Paddy Bradley.

"Somewhere along the line it's got to come to a head and I fear that small local pubs could become a thing of the past. A lot of these new premises are owned by the big leisure groups and sell beer at prices that the smaller pubs just can't compete with. Lancaster has been targeted because it's a student city. On Friday and Saturday nights it's busy in the city centre but back street locals and pubs in Morecambe and Carnforth are struggling."

Calling on local people to oppose new licensed premises, Mr Bradley added: "When all day opening was introduced they changed the law so that you no longer have to prove that there's a need for a new pub. We used to successfully object to many proposed licensed premises but now it is up to individual people to object. We are not opposed to anyone making a living and appreciate that people are willing to invest money in the area but we feel there is definitely no need for any more licensed premises."

An Aussie themed pub is due to open this year in Dalton Square and a late-license wine bar is pencilled in for Brock Street. A new night club on North Road has been given planning permission and the multiplex cinema development in Church Street may also include a bar or restaurant.

The proposed £35 million development of the Kingsway site on Bulk Road is expected to include a large new pub and nightclub.

Lancashire Police have expressed "grave reservations" about the Lancaster's expanding pub and club scene and the city council has put forward proposals to resist plans for yet more city centre pubs.

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