COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

Almost 700 people have signed a petition against plans for a Coventry convenience store to sell alcohol.

The owner of Day One Stores, in Keresley Road, Keresley, has applied for a licence to sell booze between 7am and 11pm seven days a week.

One petition signed by 671 people and another bearing 27 signatures have been handed in to Coventry City Council ahead of a licensing committee meeting next Tuesday.

However, more than 400 people have signed a different petition supporting the application, saying a shop selling alcohol will enhance the area.

Objection letters have also been submitted highlighting fears the licence would attract more anti-social behaviour, noise and litter.

One nearby resident said: “We already have a problem with young people going to Coundon Hall Park and leaving it in a very unfit state for young children to play on the equipment. There has been beer on the swings, vomit on the slides and urine all over the park.”

Letters have been submitted by Coun Ann Lucas (Lab, Holbrooks), who has requested permission to speak at the hearing, along with ward councillors Dave Kershaw and John Gazey.

Coun Kershaw (Lab, Bablake), a former head of Coundon Court School, wrote: “I know the community well and recognise the dangers and lasting effects of under-age drinking. Easy access to alcohol only increases the opportunity for young people to do this. As a Justice of the Peace I am only too aware of the link between alcohol and crime.”

Coun Lucas wrote: “There are a number of outlets nearby who have sold alcohol for a number of years. There is a problem of young people drinking and leaving litter in the fields opposite. Senior citizens living in sheltered accommodation across the field are frightened to pass youngsters who are often drunk and abusive.”

One resident, who is supporting the application, said: “It’s exactly what this area has needed for a long time. Keresley supermarket closes in the evening at 6.30pm. After this time we are forced to travel out of the area for a convenience store.”

In his application for the licence, Day One owner Krishna Srinathan wrote: “We have ensured all care, attention and common sense will be taken into account with sales of alcohol.

“Posters have been put around store about underage alcohol sales and we have CCTV.”