An application was made by the management at Hedworth-field Community Association, on Fellgate Estate, Jarrow, earlier this year.

Three councillors presiding over South Tyneside Council's licensing sub-committee approved the application together with several conditions.

The meeting, which was scheduled to last for around an hour, went on for more than four hours at South Shields town hall last week.

The association's management has installed CCTV, promised there will be no irresponsible drinks promotions, and agreed to refuse to serve alcohol to those already drunk.

Nearby residents had claimed in their submissions they'd already put up with a variety of anti-social behaviour in and around the complex.

One resident wrote: "We've learnt with disgust, horror and concern that Hedworthfield Community Association has reapplied for a premises licence.

"In the past, despite requests to those who run the association, we've experienced loud music, vandalism, parking problems, drunks, drug users and speeding traffic, all of which have been brought to the attention of the local councillors and Northumbria Police."

Another resident wrote: "My property backs on to the old Hedworthfield Comprehensive School.

"The area is a quiet, residential estate with many young children, as well as older people.

"If granted, this licence will increase traffic along this quiet road, and increase noise and impact on the safety of children playing."

No objections to the application had been received by the police or the fire and rescue service.

The current terms and conditions for membership of the association must stay in place as a condition of the amended licence.

Members of the public will only be permitted to attend the premises as a bona fide guest of a member or when attending a function taking place at the premises.

All doors and windows of the premises must be kept closed during times when the premises are being used for regulated entertainment, except for entry and exit.