The Lamb Inn has been granted permission to extend its licensing hours for three days a week - after claims it would lead to an increase in crime in Ashby were dismissed as not being 'evidence-based'.

An application was made by Alex Stanley, who runs the Market Street pub, to extend opening times by an hour on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Monday's meeting of North West Leicestershire District Council's Licensing Sub Committee met to discuss the application - and heard the only objection had come from Ashby de la Zouch Town Council which said that crime levels had more than doubled in the first half of 2022 in Market Street compared to the same period last year.

Cllr Geraint Jones, representing the Town Council, said allowing one pub to open longer would encourage others to do the same and that would lead to more crime.

He also said there was a problem with taxis double parking in the early hours of the morning and with pedestrians walking in the road creating what he described as 'an accident waiting to happen'.

However, it was pointed out that neither the police, nor any residents living in the vicinity, had lodged any objections to The Lamb's application.

Committee chair, Cllr John Clarke, said: "I note that violence and/or sexual offences in Bath Street are greater than on Market Street.

"Which would suggest it's not the pub that's the problem.

"Is it people not the pubs?"

Cllr Tony Saffell added: "The crime figures are for 2021-22, but if you're going to compare 2022 with anything, it should be before 2021 - the pandemic was still having a large effect on the licensing trade. Perhaps 2019 would be better."

Council officer Paul Dennis said: "The authority's determination should be evidence-based.

"What is the evidence here? We have no objections from the police, or environmental health.

"There was only one objection, and that was from the Town Council.

"Surely if this was a problem premises, then the police would have objected.

"I respectfully say that should carry considerable weight when considering this application.

"We have a general objection from the Town Council referring to societal issues in the wider area.

"However, there is no evidence at all connecting to these premises.

"Licensing law is not the primary mechanism for the control of nuisance, noise or anti-social behaviour - particularly once people have left the vicinity of the premises.

"Anyone can review a premises if and apply to have it reviewed. This is not a review hearing."

After deliberation, the committee was told that The Lamb is a well-run premises in a busy commercial street and that the applicant wanted to work with the police.

The committee concluded there was no evidence that the pub is a problem premises - and that there was nothing to directly connect crime figures with The Lamb.

It was described as 'speculation as to what may happen'.

The committee also said that the taxi rank being close to The Lamb could lead to incident happening in that area.