A PUB chain is trying to reassure worried residents that an application for later opening hours will not spell trouble for the surrounding community.

The Rock Hotel in Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth, will open next Friday after a £250,000 makeover by new owner Victoria Inns.

But Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, due to decide later this week if the pub can serve alcohol until 2am, has received more than 80 letters of protest over the plans.

Top concerns were crime and disorder and public nuisance caused by the opening hours.

David Hampton, director of Victoria Inns, said the public had nothing to fear.

"We had a meeting last Wednesday with the people who were objecting and I think we allayed most of their fears", he said.

"They were worried about loud music, underage drinking and us serving drunks at two in the morning.

"But we only want the extended licence so we can have more flexibility.

"For example, if we had a party and it was going well and we wanted to stay open a bit longer."

If a licence is granted, Mr Hampton said the pub would open until midnight Monday to Thursday and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

"There are a number of measures we have put in to meet the licence objectives, for example everywhere is covered by CCTV," he said.

"We also want to get all staff personal licences, which means they will be more aware of the law and what they can and can't do."

The new pub is creating 15 full-time posts, plus other part-time posts.

Four new flats have been created upstairs, and the back half of the building is to be demolished to make way for six new terraced houses.

"We have tried to keep the pub like a community local but have raised the standard so it is going to appeal to a lot more people," Mr Hampton said.

"People will be able to come here for coffee, brunch, evening meals with the family or parties.

"They can even bring the dog."