OBJECTIONS have been raised by residents after a newsagent in Burnley Wood applied to Burnley Council for a licence to sell alcohol.

Parliament Street News, which has never previously had an alcohol licence, has put in the application, which will be discussed at a licensing committee meet-ing this week.

Objections to the application have been handed to the council from residents and businesses in the area, including from Sumitha Manchta, the proprietor of nearby Amit Stores, who has a petition signed by approximately 200 of her customers.

Residents fear that an additional off-licence in the area would contribute to the alcohol-related crime and disorder problems that alr-eady exist in the Burnley Wood area.; They have argued that the nine existing businesses are enough to serve the needs of the community.

Ward councillor Jeff Sumner said: “The issue is that local residents don’t want that outlet to be selling alcohol. It’s nothing to do with the people who own it. It’s what’s happening in the area.

“They feel that another alcohol outlet, when we’ve got nine in the surrounding area, is one too many.

“There are a lot of drink-related incidents happening in Burnley Wood. Youths are drinking in the area and in back streets. Locals just don’t want another one. They’re scared of anti-social behaviour kicking off again.

“Burnley Wood is an up-and-coming area and they don’t want it spoiling by alcohol-related incidents.

“That’s why we put a petition together. Residents are concerned.”

No-one from Parliament Street News was available for comment.