Winchester's popular live music venue, the Railway Inn, has won the right to extend its weekend opening hours, despite residents' objections.

The city's licensing chiefs granted the pub, in St Paul's Hill, a six-month trial period, allowing it to stay open an hour later, until 1am, on Friday and Saturday nights.

Licensee, Fred Eynon, was also given permission to extend live music until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

The decision came despite residents' fears that the extended hours would lead to an increase in noise, vandalism and antisocial behaviour, as revellers left the premises.

Police had no complaints about the application but said that, although there were problems in the area, there was no evidence to link them with the pub.

Esther Hack, of Stockbridge Road, who wrote one of the 12 letters received by the council objecting to the extension, told the licensing chiefs: "I've no objection to the music going on until 12. My complaint is based on the noise and vandalism outside our house. People come and yell, argue and swear."

She said her car and a neighbour's car had been badly scratched after midnight, although she conceded that the incidents could not be attributed to people leaving the Railway Inn. "He (Mr Eynon) does his best, but he can't control people when they leave the pub."

Phrynette Dickens, county councillor, speaking on behalf of the two ward members in St Paul's and residents of Stockbridge Road, said: "We have to address the concerns of the constituents."

Mrs Dickens said a public meeting for residents of Stockbridge Road in July had highlighted the fears residents had about the increase of antisocial behaviour in the area.

Licensee of 12 years, Mr Eynon told the committee that, to his knowledge, most residents had supported his application.

"Nobody in the letters says anything about the pub itself," he said. He added that he and his door staff always urged people to be very quiet when they left the pub. "But I don't have control over them when they leave the premises. There's really nothing more I can do."

Committee chairman, Robert Johnston, told Mr Eynon that the changes to the licence would be granted for six months, after which the situation would be reviewed.

Afterwards, the licensee said: "I'm delighted with the fairness of the committee."