A town centre pub closed for over two years could be back complete with live music, dance performances, and late-night opening.

The Robin Hood, in Market Hill, St Ives, shut its doors blaming cheap competition from out-of-town pubs, increased rates, and parking charges.

Since then, it has been uncertain what current owner Michael Purchas – who also owns the Golden Lion Hotel in the town – intends to do with it.

Plans which have been submitted to Huntingdonshire District Council’s licensing sub-committee show that along with serving alcohol, Mr Purchas wants to host karaoke events, live music DJs and comedians.

He is applying for times from 7am everyday, closing at 12.30am Monday-Wednesday, 1.30am on Thursday, 2am on Friday and Saturday, and 12.30am on Sunday. Alcohol sales would stop half-an-hour before closing.

The application documents, which will be discussed by the committee on Tuesday (October 7), also contain seven objections from nearby residents.

They raise issues about noise, disorder, and traffic.

One resident, whose name has been obscured in the document, wrote: “As far as I am aware there are already a dozen licensed premises in St Ives including two or three nightclubs. Why do we need another late venue, especially so close to housing?”

Another resident added: “My concerns are the noise, extra traffic and the effect on properties at the rear. Opening hours also seem excessive. Closure at midnight ought not to spoil anybody’s fun and would allow the rest of the town to get to sleep.”