OBJECTIONS to plans to turn part of the Daily Echo building into a nightclub were raised at a planning appeal yesterday.

Regents Inns PLC is appealing against a decision by Bournemouth Council to refuse its application for a Walkabout club in the Echo's former press room on grounds of noise and disturbance.

Spokesman for 16 residents of Fern Bank, Jeanie De Souza, told the inquiry: "I am passionate about the town and its history. If this application was passed it would be a recipe for disaster and would have a huge impact on the quality of life for those living in the area.

"It would rip the heart out of our town with all the extra clubbers and cars racing about." It would also mean extra traffic down St Stephen's Road, she said.

Regents Inns want the club to have an 850-capacity and to open until 2am. The appeal was told that the company currently runs two Walkabout branches successfully near residential areas in Newquay and Shepherds Bush.

Openings manager Murray Rea, said revellers leaving the club would be "ushered away" from Richmond Hill in the direction of taxi ranks in Old Christchurch Road.