A PROTEST petition with more than 100 signatures has been gathered to fight proposals by a Burnley store for a drinks licence.

Neighbours fear gangs of under-age drinkers would be encouraged to congregate around the new Nisa store, on Coal Clough Lane.

Bosses representing the Nisa chain want to serve alcohol at the former Co-op building from 7am to 11pm daily.

The designated premises supervisor for the store would be Luke O'Neill, of Brunshaw Avenue, according to applicants BB Securities North West Ltd.

But people living in the surrounding area have signalled their opposition to the plans, which will be debated by a meeting of the borough's licensing committee today (Tues).

A council spokesman said the objections raised in the petition included a possible increase in underage drinking and anti-social behaviour as well as late night noise and parking nuisance.

He added: "The residents feel it would encourage groups of young people to congregate outside the premises causing a nuisance to nearby residents.

"They also believe it would encourage under-age drinking with the accompanying anti-social behaviour which has already caused problems to local businesses in recent months."

Licensing bosses say that while the petition carries 104 signatures, only 34 can be considered relevant.

Some entries do not have full addressed included and others are said to live too far away from the store concerned for the application to have any real bearing on them.

Councillors have been told that strict conditions will be attached to any premises licence granted.

Booze cannot be sold when the designated premises supervisor is not present, or his or her licence has been suspended for a given period.

The applicants must also ensure they have CCTV coverage, internally and externally, and that footage is kept from the cameras for 21 days.

Staff will also be required to only accept photo driving licences, passports or PASS cards as proof of age, in the event of a customer being challenged.