The traditional Geordie pub could soon become a thing of the past, replaced by trendy wine bars. Academics at a Newcastle University have been examining the changing nightlife in the city and have found the new 'designer' bars like Revolution, The Pitcher and Piano and Bar 38 are forcing the closure of traditional pubs in the city.

Dr Paul Chatterton and Dr Robert Hollands from the Centre of Urban and Regional Development Studies have warned the city and the region is moving rapidly away from its industrial past.

Dr Chatterton said: "If we're not careful within ten years we could see the traditional Geordie pubs being pushed out because they can't compete with the bigger bars.

"Newcastle is becoming invaded by wealthy workers from outside and the pubs are trying to tap that market at the expense of the locals." Newcastle city centre has 111 pubs and 22 nightclubs which are concentrated in the Bigg Market, Quayside, the Station area and the Haymarket. Researchers interviewed young people, pub owners, councillors and the police.

Most believe the city is moving away from the typical Geordie night out of chart music, lager and curry towards soul, house and garage tunes, expensive vodka and designer clothes. But as more affluent clubbers move to the area to sample Newcastle's party atmosphere Dr Chatterton and Dr Hollands are concerned locals will not be able to meet high prices.

Dr Chatterton said: "Urgent attention is required to make sure there will be something for everyone in the city.''

However, claims that trendy wine bars were posing a threat to traditional pubs in Newcastle were dismissed by bosses. At the Duke of Wellington, on High Bridge, a pint of lager will cost drinkers stlg2.05, a pint of Tetley costs stlg1.75 and a standard glass of wine will set you back stlg1.95.

Rob Brewis, assistant manager, said: "I doubt very much the Duke of Wellington will be at risk from trendy wine bars. "Most of the people who come in here come in because they want a good pint. "People who go to wine bars are looking for something else on a night out. "We need the different types of places to cater for different demands."

And Matt Haygarth, assistant manager at the Pitcher and Piano, on the Quayside, agreed. He said: "There are enough people going out drinking in Newcastle to support both types of pubs." At the Pitcher and Piano a pint of lager will cost revellers stlg2.50, the same price charged for a standard glass of wine.And Caroline Armstrong, manager of freehouse The Strawberry, said: "I think there will always be a place for community pubs like ours so I am not concerned.

"People like the bar because they can meet people they know here and it is a friendly, relaxed environment.'' A spokeswoman for Newcastle City Council said: "It is market forces which dictate the type of bars that move into the area and there is obviously a demand.

"The licensing committee will scrutinise each proposal carefully but whether a business is local does not really affect the decision." But Dr Chatterton added: "Within 10 years Newcastle could be like every other city in the country with no identity which will be a great shame."

Dr Chatterton and Dr Hollands have published their findings in a new book Changing Out Toon: Youth, Nightlife and Urban Change in Newcastle, priced stlg5 available from Newcastle City Tourist Office at Monument.