JD Wetherspoons is reported to be investing in yet another former bingo club. The pub giant which has around 800 premises in the UK seems to be one of the biggest purchasers of former bingo clubs.

The new site will create around 40 jobs in addition to the development work.

The company is to invest £1 million in the Oxford Bingo Club on Oxford Street in Kent but local residents are less than impressed. The licensing committee granted permission last Tuesday to convert the bingo club into a pub but hours have been restricted.

The site will only be able to open from 8am to midnight Thursday to Saturday and 8am to 11.30pm Sunday to Wednesday.

The bar will only be able to serve alcohol from 9.30am to 11pm Sunday to Wednesday and 9.30am to 11.30pm Thursday to Saturday with longer hours for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Eve of 10am to 12.30am.

Nigel Connor for JD Wetherspoon said: "There were some concerns raised but we intend to preserve the interior character of the building as its history is integral to the development."

Mr Connor added: "We are very competitive with prices and provide good value drinks and food. We differ from the more traditional pubs in Whitstable."

While the new JD Wetherspoon site will not have music or any live entertainment residents are concerned at the noise that the customers will make late at night. Jon Bird, who lives on Oxford Street, commented: "I've been a sound recordist for 35 years and I can promise you the pub's plans to have 'jumberellas' outside will not block out the noise.

"The pub, which can hold 300, will have a massive impact . There are houses 55 yards away."

Neighbour Tina Manoli commented: "There are 7 pubs and 14 restaurants in the area. Do Wetherspoons really think that inviting mothers in at 9am to have a drink is a positive aspect?

"I am deeply worried. Whitstable has had a history of serious drink and drugs problems.

"I don't want to see it happen again."

Mr Connor added: "Only a small number demand drink at that time, usually workers from a late night shift or old boys who want a drink when reading the paper.

"In my time I've never had to deal with drink concerns at 9am."