Booze fears at petrol station (From Chelmsford Weekly News)

Booze fears at petrol station

1:07pm Friday 3rd July 2009

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RESIDENTS living near to a petrol station were attending a planning meeting last night to oppose an alcohol licence.

Malthurst Fuels, which received planning permission to re-open the station in Broomfield Road earlier this year, has now applied for a licence to sell alcohol until 11pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10pm on Sunday.

But this has angered residents who say there is no need for the station to sell alcohol.

Dr Jamie Hacker-Hughes, one of the protesters, said: “There is strong opposition to this. It is ludicrous to sell alcohol to drivers.

“There are four schools in the area and elderly people. The residents do not want it.

“We shall be turning up in force to the planning meeting to put over our point of view.”

Security fencing around the site was pulled down over the weekend, supporting the residents’ view that alcohol sales should not be allowed.

They will be supported by ward councillors Graham Pooley and Jude Deakin.

Cllr Pooley said: “I can see no way that alcohol sales here are needed, nor can this possibly promote the council’s and the Government’s licensing objectives.”

Agreeing with residents, he continued: “Alcohol sales here at any time would detract from the council’s objectives. It is already for sale sufficiently nearby, and at all reasonable hours, to meet any responsible need.”

As well as a petition signed by 124 people, there have also been 55 representations from other people.

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