New pub plans to serve a late pint

A LONG-AWAITED pub - which has not even opened yet - has applied for a late licence.

The Monkfield Arms is set to be the first pub in the new settlement of Cambourne.

It is due to open in October 2006, but is already seeking a licence to open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Pathfinder pub, on the corner of Monkfield Lane and High Street, is also seeking permission to open until midnight Sundays-Thursdays.

John Vickery, Cambourne parish council clerk, said the pub was situated between shops and flats and "a fair distance" from homes.

He said it would be hard to judge what residents would think of the licensing hours.

A spokeswoman for Pathfinder said the company did not wish to comment on the licensing application for opening hours, but confirmed the pub would be opening in 2006.

Work will start on building the pub in six months and it is expected to open next October. It will be the second licensed premises in the village, after the Cambridge Belfry hotel.

As reported in the Cambridge Evening News