CONTROVERSIAL plans to extend the opening hours of a pub in Thornbury have caused outrage among residents.

The Royal George, which until recently had been operating as part of The Mezze restaurant chain, has reverted back to being a pub, with owners Enterprise Inns looking to revitalise its reputation as part of its Bermondsey Pub Company brand.

But among the changes that have been proposed are to extend the opening hours to 3am, well past that of other establishments in the area, with drinking areas out the front and back of the premises and an outdoor screen.

On top of this, the listed building has been painted white without planning permission – leading to complaints that the new look is not in fitting with the area.

Residents from homes around the pub have said they worry the proposals have not been broadcast to enough people, with some having gone door-to-door to raise awareness over the issue and collect names for a petition.

One member of the residents’ campaign group said: “In recent years, the emphasis in the Thornbury social atmosphere has gone from a place to go out and drink to a much more family orientated place.

“But with these plans it is quite concerning they would deem it appropriate to have a 3am closing time, with people able to come and go as they please until then.

“People who are going out to drink until 3am will not be leaving quietly and, based on our past experiences, are in fact likely to cause a lot of mess and trouble.

The pub has been closed for refurbishment and re-opens tonight.

Cllr Bob Griffin has handed a petition to Thornbury Town Council to oppose the late opening plan.

“We had no problem with the Mezze as it was, they adhered to the licence rules and agreed to close by 11.30pm, the same as the other pubs on the High Street,” he said.

“Painting the building white, which makes it stick out from all the other buildings painted cream, and changing the sign before it has been agreed is also a big problem.

“It puts the applicant at risk as it is a listed building and there are rules they should be following.”

Cllr Shirley Holloway added: “The biggest concern is the licensing issue. Having people go in and out until the early hours after the other pubs have closed is bound to cause trouble.”

She added that she hoped people would have the chance to voice their concerns, suggesting they write to the town council.

A spokesman for the Bermondsey Pub Company said: “We would like to reassure members of the local community that the Royal George will continue to operate as a pub at the heart of Thornbury.”

A special open house meeting is being hosted at the pub at 8pm tonight, Thursday, with invites sent to customers, residents and members of the town council to come and hear more about the plans for the pub in detail.