THE conversion of Broadstone Post Office into a corner shop would create a “24-hour drinking den”, according to opponents of the scheme.

A licence to sell alcohol from a new Costcutter store as late as 11pm every day will be considered by councillors next week after it attracted objections from a dozen people.

Concerns have been raised that extending the opening hours of the Dunyeats Road building would lead to “considerable increases” in nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

The application was submitted to BCP Council by Kumarasamy Uthayatharan in November as part of the conversion of the Post Office into a Costcutter shop.

It seeks a licence to allow alcohol to be sold until 11pm seven days a week.

He said a CCTV system would be installed and no stronger drinks sold in a bid to prevent any potential anti-social behaviour issues.

But despite this the proposal has attracted 12 letters of objection, including from former council leader councillor Vikki Slade.

She said this part of Broadstone was “particularly sensitive”, particularly due to nearby sheltered accommodation, including the flats directly above it.

“The potential for people purchasing alcohol to drink outside, causing noise, disturbance, smoking and acting in a drunk or disorderly manner outside the property will cause disturbance and distress for the residents above,” she said.

Others said the later opening hours would attract customers “who do not always obey socially acceptable rules for peace and quiet in the neighbourhood”.

They said there were already “enough” similar shops open in the surrounding area.

“This area consists prominently of the elderly and children,” one said. “As a neighbourhood, we would like to keep the town a tranquil place to maintain our peaceful lives.

“However, by introducing more off licence shops than necessary, it will increase the crime rate, anti-social behaviour (like littering) and nuisance within the area.”

Alan Norris, who lives nearby, said the change “will feel quite detrimental to Broadstone” and said the new shop would be “a 24-hour drinking den”.

As a result of the objections, the application will be considered by a council licensing sub-committee on Thursday (January 21).