The owners of the former Gala Bingo hall are continuing their battle to open an entertainment venue.

Controversial plans for the 2,000-capacity Kingston Arena were thrown out last month by councillors because of crime and anti-social behaviour fears.

Residents celebrated but acnknowledged the victory was only round one.

Today was the deadline for an appeal to be lodged with a magistrates' court.

Julian Skeens, lawyer for the bid, said: "We have lodged an appeal.

"We will get a different sort of hearing. One of the things we are doing in Kingston is to consult a little more because we don't think people really understood what the application was about and what a benefit it would be for Kingston."

The appeal will be heard by either three magistrates or a district judge and will have the power to reverse Kingston Council's decision to block the venue in Richmond Road.