COLCHESTER'S biggest nightclub is set for a long-term extension to its opening hours after a successful trial period ended.After improving links with local residents, proposals to extend the opening hours of the High Street's Hippodrome club are set to be given the green light by town councillors.

COLCHESTER'S biggest nightclub is set for a long-term extension to its opening hours after a successful trial period ended.

After improving links with local residents, proposals to extend the opening hours of the High Street's Hippodrome club are set to be given the green light by town councillors.

The six-month test run ended on January 14 and the decision will be made about the permanent change at a Colchester Borough Council licensing sub-committee meeting on March 1.

The club backs on to a part of the town known as the Dutch Quarter, and members of its resident association will continue to meet with the club's management to discuss issues and concerns, a relationship that has been successful during the trial period.

A spokeswoman for the residents' association said: “Since before the trial period was agreed by the council, the Dutch Quarter association committee has been having regular meetings with the management of the Hippodrome.

“They have sorted out our requests pretty much straight away - and that's how the new licensing laws should work. You should be able to have dialogue with other parties.”

She added that concerns about waste storage had been dealt with and the use of street marshals, employed by the club, had helped steer late-night revellers away from the historic corner of the town.

She said: “We've been very pleased with the responses we've had to all of the requests we've made of them and the professionalism with which they manage the club.

“It's an ongoing relationship and we will continue to have meetings.”

Police in the town have had no concerns about the site and made no representation to the committee as it considers its decision.

elliot.furniss@eadt.co.uk