Sir Ian backs late night local

A pub that inspired Charles Dickens's account of a notorious London drinking den is at the centre of a row over late night opening hours.

Police and residents are opposing an application by The Grapes in Limehouse to stay open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays because they fear it will fuel crime.

The dispute has been given added weight by the pub's literary credentials and celebrities who live nearby, including actor Sir Ian McKellen and Lord Owen.

Sir Ian said he was backing the application. He said: "I think it's a fantastic idea. I have lived here for 25 years and there is absolutely no problem with yobs."