A NEW pub has been given the go-ahead despite some residents' fears it could spark more town centre noise and vandalism.Councillors yesterday voted in favour of the plans for a new pub and restaurant, put forward by chain J D Wetherspoons Plc, at unused offices in Ipswich Street, within Stowmarket's conservation area.

A NEW pub has been given the go-ahead despite some residents' fears it could spark more town centre noise and vandalism.

Councillors yesterday voted in favour of the plans for a new pub and restaurant, put forward by chain J D Wetherspoons Plc, at unused offices in Ipswich Street, within Stowmarket's conservation area.

The development, next to Jokers nightclub, will see an existing two-storey building and extension demolished before a new neo-classical building is constructed on the site.

Officers at Mid Suffolk District Council felt it was an appropriate redevelopment, saying it would bring back into use part of the town centre and contribute to the vitality and viability of the local area.

But several residents objected, concerned a further pub in the town was unnecessary and would exacerbate the noise and vandalism from those frequenting existing venues. They also claimed they would be less safe because of people inebriated in the streets.

District councillors, who voted in favour of the plans, imposed conditions on the new operation, including limiting opening hours.