ONE of the men behind a nightclub due to open in Old Town is seeking to allay fears it could increase late-night disorder.

Tiger Bills, in Hooper’s Place, will have a 6am licence which still stands from the Studio nightclub, which occupied the former Belmont Brewery building until 2005.

Some residents have said they were victims of drink-fuelled crime when the venue was open before, as revellers descended on the club.

They and some councillors have called on the operator to apply for a new licence with reduced hours.

Coun Dave Wood (Lib Dem, Eastcott) said: “If they’re saying on Facebook they will be open until 6am, that trust isn’t developing. I call on them to apply for a new licence to make it clear when they will shut.”

However, letting and managing agent for the building’s landlord, Stephen Brickell, of Kilpatrick and Co Property Consultants, said Tiger Bills would not increase crime and disorder.

He said it would have a responsible, national operator, an older, more responsible audience and would close around the same time as other Old Town venues, adding: “The premises licence runs until 6am, but from my discussions with the tenant, they aren’t planning on operating that late.

“Tiger Bills is a premium bar, attracting very different clientele. The target market they’re aiming at is 25 to 40 years of age.

“The venue’s management has put in a great deal of work in conjunction with the landlords and the local authority to ensure any potential nuisance or issues has been minimised from the outset.”

On Tuesday, Swindon Council’s planning committee changed the planning conditions to allow the use of a front roof terrace until 2am daily, instead of until 10am from Sunday to Thursday, and until 11pm on Friday and Saturday.

Mr Brickell said this would keep patrons inside to reduce the risk of crime and disorder to the streets.

Tiger Bills, whose operator is yet to be announced, will be part of a wider redevelopment. The building will house the bar, a restaurant and hairdresser.