'CLUBBERS could soon have a midnight-to-dawn "chill-out zone" if a York landlady's ambitious plans are a success.

Joanne McGrath, the new licensee at Walkers Bar, in Micklegate, has applied to open every night between midnight and 4am.

She said the idea is to turn Walkers into a "pre- and post-club chill-out place" for York's party people.

The bar would close as normal at 11pm, Joanne said, before staff cleared up for an hour and re-opened at midnight.

No alcohol would be on sale.

Joanne, 31, said: "What we are trying to do is offer a bit of variety, which there doesn't seem to be enough of in York.

"We aren't applying for a licence to sell alcoholic drinks. Instead, we would sell tea, coffee, fruit cocktails and light snacks, as well as the usual non-alcoholic pub items such as cigarettes.

"I am hopeful we will get it. The council has been round to see us and were very supportive. I can't see there being any objections."

Doormen would be on duty throughout the late shift, Joanne said.

"Hopefully there will be no trouble, but yes, the doormen will be there," she added.

Regular York reveller Matt Hallam, 26, welcomed the plans.

"It is a good idea. There is a real shortage of places to go late on in York so this could work well.

"I'd definitely go, at least to see what it's like."

Dick Haswell, City of York Council regulation unit manager, said the application's success depended on the ongoing public consultation.

He said: "The issue is whether the place is likely to disturb local residents. We must take that into account. If it is not an issue then there should be no problem.

"We do want to encourage the night-time economy in York, but we want to encourage people to live in the city centre as well."

PC Ashley Fitzhugh, York Police licensing officer, said: "We have the chance to comment on the application if we want to. It is a bit unusual.

"It is a question of assessing it, as it's a fairly new idea for York."

The application has gone to City of York Council. There is a 21-day period for people to register any objections.

"Ideally we would be in business by June 1," said Joanne.

Updated: 11:27 Saturday, May 04, 2002