Council leader Tony Arbour has written to his more powerful namesake to outline his fears over the government's new licensing policy.

He has sent a letter directly to Prime Minister Tony Blair to explain why he thinks the new rules are creating a growing danger' to the quality of life in the borough.

Richmond Council are to take control of licensing pubs and restaurants from magistrates under the new legislation.

Of greatest concern to the council is the potential impact of 24-hour licensing, Cllr Arbour explains: "Greater levels of noise and anti-social behaviour extending ever further into early hours will have a devastating impact on residents' quality of life."

He also fears that councils across the country, rather than having greater control, will be bound to one set of guidelines that seek to treat Soho in the same way as Twickenham."

Cllr Arbour says they have yet to receive guidance and regulations on how to implement the legislation, which means they cannot prepare adequately. He is also concerned about the additional costs the move will place on the council, a figure he estimates will be £250,000.

Calling on the government to reconsider the strategy, he says: "We want to determine our own policy, working with responsible licensees to ensure that the quality of life of our residents is protected and the streets of our town centres are safe."

He added: "The government's current thinking on licensing laws and binge drinking is confused and ill-conceived. It lacks a coherent focus. It will not help us to regulate our local areas in the interest of both our residents and visitors. It does threaten to make our job a lot harder and more expensive while reducing our ability to apply effective control."