A restaurant owner has criticised police after they claimed allowing him to stay open longer would increase crime and disorder nearby.

Bevan Hoogewerf, owner of Langley's in Ewell Road, Surbiton, said he could not understand the police's objection.

He said: “There is no reason. The only reason might be that they have to work a little bit harder.”

Mr Hoogewerf told Kingston police allowing the restaurant to stay open and sell alcohol from 10am to 1am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, would instead improve the ‘forgotten’ area of the town.

But police said allowing Langley's, which used to be L’Esperance, to open later would increase crime and disorder.

A letter from Sgt Eddie Armstrong said: “Due to the close proximity of residential premises the police do not believe licensing activity should not [sic] go past midnight.

“The safer neighbourhood team in the area have [sic] concern that any time after midnight would have a negative effect on crime and disorder and public nuisance.”

Mr Hoogewerf also wants to play recorded music for diners until midnight from Monday to Wednesday, plus Sunday, and until 1am otherwise.

Live music could be performed until 11pm or midnight.

In his application he wrote: “As I have managed to turn this property around, we are seeing dinners [sic] coming for dinner after 10pm which does not allow them enough time to eat and drink before midnight.

“All measures have been taken to ensure public safety at all times.

“We have a huge demand for becoming a trendy wine bar in the Ewell Road which the council has been looking to upgrade for a while now.”

More than 200 residents and businesses were consulted by the council, but none responded.

A decision on the plans will be made by councillors at a licensing sub-committee next Tuesday, August 20.