ONE of south Essex's best-known nightspots is set to get permission to open until 4am.

Talk nightclub, in Lucy Road, Southend, will be granted a late licence by Southend Council within the next few days.

Club bosses originally lodged an application to extend its opening hours in December.

However, it was held up due to police concerns over the effect longer drinking hours and more late clubbers in the town centre would have on the area.

Officers were also concerned violent behaviour by late night revellers may increase if they were allowed to drink for longer.

These fears were allayed during discussions between the club, police and Southend Council, meaning Talk and Bar Bluu, located upstairs in the same venue, will now be allowed to open until 4am.

It is thought police were appeased by the club's plans to lay on more staff to oversee patrons. Club bosses may also invest in extra CCTV coverage.

Chief Insp Steve Worron, Southend police's district commander, said: "Talk has proved to us it is now one of the market leaders in wiping out crime and disorder from in and around its club.

"We are satisfied it has done its utmost to eradicate the problems that were once associated with the nightclub.

"However, it is under no illusion that it must continue to adhere to the standards it has set itself. Should it fall below them, we will have no hesitation in reviewing the licensing situation."

David Krieger, the council's team manager for licensing, said: "Extensive discussions took place between the applicants and the police.

"An agreement was reached on a scheme of additional measures.

"This enabled the police to withdraw their objections."

Talk nightclub refused to comment on the matter.