Neighbours have formed a residents' association to help fight a pub's application for later opening hours.

The Hove Street Area Residents' Association was established out of opposition to plans by the Connaught pub in Hove Street to stay open until 2am at weekends.

Chairman Jonathan Hershman said residents did not want to prevent the pub from running as a successful business but were concerned about the proposals to extend opening seven days a week when new licensing laws came into effect in November.

He said: "We want this to be done in an acceptable and peaceful manner but we feel the proposed extension is not in the best interests of the community."

The Connaught's application will be considered by Brighton and Hove City Council's licensing committee on August 25 at Brighton Town Hall.

Conservative councillor Brian Oxley, who has backed the residents' objections, said: "There are blocks of flats across the road and to the south of the pub which are home to many hundreds of residents and there are a large number of houses in the area.

"Residents understandably do not want to see an additional, potential night-time disturbance in the Westbourne ward.

"Apart from the noise there is a lack of transport very late at night from this part of West Hove.

"Street drinking in the area would be further exacerbated by the later opening hours."

Scott McCord, landlord of the Connaught, said: "We will be making all efforts to keep noise levels down.

"We only have live bands once in a blue moon and karaoke at the weekends.

"If residents have concerns I would be happy to speak to them."