Wallingford residents have won their battle to stop a town pub staying open until 2.30am.

They convinced South Oxfordshire District Council's licensing committee that extending hours at the Boat House would lead to more noise and antisocial behaviour.

They were backed by police, environmental health officers and the town council, which owns the riverside pub.

The Spirit group, based in Burton upon Trent, which leases the pub, said they hoped to rid it of its younger-end hard-drinking image and cater for more mature people.

But residents objected to the plan to extend licensing hours at weekends to 2am with closing time at 2.30am.

Resident John Allen said; "Years ago, a lot of money was spent building a massive conservatory intended to be an upmarket restaurant - but it failed. There is no indication that the new ideas for the Boat House will fare any better."

Resident Julia West said: "We have suffered vandalism and tremendous noise. It already keeps us awake but we put up with it - having that same noise at 2.30am would be intolerable."

Thames Valley Police said extending the hours would lead to more crime and disorder and be a strain on police resources.