The owners of a Kingston pub have asked councillors to lift a restriction on the number of punters it can serve.

The Spring Grove, in Bloomfield Road, is allowed to have 230 people on the site at one time.

Young's has asked Kingston Council to lift that condition, and also plans to beef up the pub's kitchen, extend the lounge area and totally refurbish the building inside and out.

In a submission to the council, Young's said: "We have considered the impact of the proposed alterations and do not feel that there will be any increased risk."

But neighbours, while supportive of the renovation plans, said too many extra drinkers would ruin the balance of the area.

One wrote in a letter to the council: "I have no concerns about the alterations being made to the property.

"However, I object to the variation requesting removal of the limit.

"The pub is in a residential area accommodating lots of young families."

Another said: "I believe the pub is well-managed and consider the current noise, smell and litter levels acceptable. The pub plays a key role in the community.

"I believe that with more people allowed on the premises, it will be harder for the landlord to prevent public nuisance."

Councillors will decide whether to allow the application at a meeting next Tuesday, August 19, at 10.30am at the Guildhall.