A licensees' group in Bingley has backed a call by the town's police chief to refuse permission for any new pubs or clubs.

Inspector David Drucquer, newly in charge of Bingley police, says the town already has enough nightspots and any more could lead to too much drunken and rowdy behaviour.

His view has been backed by the chairman of the town's 28-strong Pubwatch group, who says the town could not be policed if more pubs are set up.

Mark Thompson, manager of the Harvester pub at Myrtle Walk, and chairman of the Pubwatch group, agreed with the police chief's firm stance.

"Before Christmas our assistant manager was hit by a punter, we rang 999 and it took 40 minutes for the police to attend," he said.

"With the resources police have got in Bingley at the moment, I don't think they could cope with any more pubs."

Insp Drucquer, who was once licensing sergeant for Bradford, said: "Bingley is very well endowed with licensed premises. I intend to always oppose the granting of new justices' on-licences in Bingley. In my opinion the area is adequately served already."

His new firm line is being put to the test by an application by Tony Lumb, new owner of Big Fella's nightclub, to expand upstairs to create a new wine bar area.

"Big Fella's has applied for a wine bar and I intend to oppose that in court," Insp Drucquer said. "Big Fella's is run very well by its new owner, but the police angle will be to look very carefully at any licensing applications in future.

"Bingley is getting a bit like a mini Halifax. People go from pub to pub and get very drunk and any more licensed premises will make it worse."

Mr Lumb would not comment.

Rita Hook, landlady of the Fleece in Bingley Main Street, said: "This new wine bar would take a lot of our trade."

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