CONTROVERSIAL plans to open a new nightclub in Kidderminster have been approved by councillors - despite police fears it could spark a rise in public disorder and crime.

Kidderminster Police Chief Inspector Dave Jones said he was disappointed with the decision - and warned the new nightclub would stretch policing and increase crime and anti-social behaviour.

Wyre Forest District Council's planning (development control) committee voted in favour of Stourport businessman Mark Roberts' proposal to open a new nightspot in a former carpet factory in Green Street.

Councillor Stephen Clee said the development was perfectly suited to the "run down" part of the town.

And councillor Fran Oborski dismissed police advice the town already has enough licensed venues for the preventative measures in place.

"We are paying enormous precepts year after year to West Mercia Police and I'm beginning to think that if some of the police officers were re-deployed back from Redditch to Kidderminster we wouldn't have quite so many problems," she said.

"This site is further away from residential areas than other nightclubs and I don't see how we could possibly refuse it."

Chief Insp Jones responded: "The partnerships are keen to reduce crime and disorder and reassure the public. We anticipate another nightclub would increase anti-social behaviour and drunkenness around the town and that it will stretch our policing."

Forty-three-year-old Mr Roberts said he was thrilled with the outcome of the meeting.

He said CCTV would be installed in and around the premises and he would work as closely as possible with Kidderminster Police to alleviate any concerns.