LIVE performances by actors and musicians could soon be entertaining audiences at a cinema complex in Garston.

In an application to Watford Borough Council, Vue Cinemas has outlined plans to make its eight-screen complex in Woodside Leisure Park a venue for performances of plays and live music.

But the application, due to be heard by the council's licensing committee next week, has concerned residents, who feel the change of use could lead to more anti-social behaviour in the area.

They also claim the cinema has failed to clearly state how there can be live performances in a venue that does not "readily lend itself to this type of entertainment".

Ed Martin, chairman of the North Orbital Residents Action Group (NORAG), said: "It is a cinema with projection screens.

"Is a stage to be incorporated in one or more of the rooms?

"Are the floors to be levelled and a dance floor laid in one or more of the rooms?

"This change of use should be properly supported, with details of how they propose to operate, including any possible alterations to the building."

Residents are also concerned at the cinema's plans to extend its opening hours from midnight to 3am on a week night, and from 1am to 3am on weekends.

They fear this will increase anti-social behaviour in the area, a concern shared by local police.

For full story see today's printed version of the Watford Observer.