POLICE are objecting to plans by sandwich chain Subway to remain open until 3am in Charminster.

The US fast-food franchise, famous for its baguettes and salads, has asked Bournemouth council to allow an extension to its Thursday, Friday and Saturday opening times.

Dorset Police, however, is opposing the licence changes as it fears it could "exacerbate" late night crime.

In a letter written by PC Darren Harris on behalf of the force’s chief officer, he said: “To grant would undermine the Prevention of Crime and Disorder licensing objective.”

This, he explained, is because the area has been “identified as experiencing a disproportionate amount of crime and disorder when compared to the rest of the conurbation".

Locations with a disproportionately high crime rate are known as a Cumulative Impact Area.

He said Charminster’s CIA, at 0.1 square kilometres, equates to around 0.3 per cent of the total area of north Bournemouth’s police section. However it was where 20 per cent of night time public assaults occurred between November 1 last year and May 19.

“The split between day and night time assaults in Charminster is heavily weighted towards the night time period, with 75 per cent occurring at night,” he added.

In its application, Subway said: “We will actively co-operate with the local police to ensure that we are made aware of particular problems which affect the area and which may potentially affect our store.

“CCTV is installed and kept for a minimum of 14 days. The public are made aware that they are being recorded.

“If deemed necessary after a suitable risk assessment a town radio link will be purchased.

“No alcohol will be allowed on the premises. All drinks and food will be served in plastic, cardboard or paper.”

Under the proposals, Subway plans to remain open until 11pm on the other four days of the week.

A decision on the application is scheduled to be made on Thursday, September 3, in a licensing board meeting at the town hall chaired by Cllr Andrew Morgan.