A BAR in Leigh Broadway wants to extend its opening hours until 1am.

The Rio is keen to sell alcohol and host live music for an extra hour on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

Paul West appeared before the planning and licensing committee at Leigh Town Council on behalf of the bar’s management.

Mr West said: “Matt Walsh, who has recently taken over management, wishes to raise the profile of the establishment and bring the bar in line with others in the same area that benefit from an extended licence.

“If permitted, it would also stop the unnecessary migration of patrons from this bar to another at a sensitive time of night.”

Paul Lawrence, vice-chairman of Leigh Town Council, raised concerns about noise pollution, and asked whether the current hot weather could force the bar to open windows and doors.

Mr West replied: “To address noise, there is a lobby there, which means at any one time there is only one door open. There is air conditioning, so there is no need to keep the windows open. It is not Mr Walsh’s intention to be another thorn in the side of the residents.”

Caroline Parker, Leigh Town Council chairman, who voted against the proposal, said: “I don’t think any bar’s licence should be extended – it’s part of the reason I moved away from that area. It’s really quite disruptive to those who live nearby.”

Southend Council will have the final say on the proposal.