FEARS have been raised that 24-hour licensing will lead to police officers working intolerable hours.

Round-the-clock boozing may be good news for revellers, but the Police Federation's Wiltshire branch says it will mean more unsociable working for officers.

And Phil Davenport, chairman of the branch which represents frontline police says officers have social lives as well.

"Officers have families, and they also like to go out on Friday and Saturday evenings.

"I'm worried the changes will lead to an over emphasis on shifts at the weekend, which will affect their work-life balance.

"If so, officers are going to get fed up working 7pm to 4am. Officers recognise their job means working unsociable hours, but we are worried it could lead to overload."

The Government claims continental-style licensing which could be introduced next year will ease the problem of drunken violence and anti-social behaviour.

Ministers hoping to reverse the tide of binge-drinking believe it will bring an end to the 11pm rush.

But earlier this week, senior officers criticised the plans, saying longer-drinking hours would increase booze-fuelled disorder.

The Association Chief Police Officers warned that already strained emergency services would be pushed to the limit.

Mr Davenport agreed: "In the past, when we have had extended licenses, it has had a knock-on effect on disorder.

"I assume that some outlets in Swindon will want to take advantage of the longer hours.

"Until we know what the situation is like, I think it would be remiss not to have extra resources in place to deal with it."

Binge-drinking in the town centre has set alarm bells ringing at Swindon Council.

Licensing officer Lionel Starling recently told the Adver that drunken louts had turned Swindon's heart into a no-go area for the over-30s.

Tamash Lal