COUNCILLORS in Ross-on-Wye have objected to extending the times when a prominent convenience store can sell alcohol on the grounds it will worsen anti-social behaviour in the area.

The Gwalia Stores in Broad Street, recognisable from its collection of vintage advertising panels on its upper walls, applied in December to extend its licence to sell alcohol to between 6am and midnight seven days a week.

Currently alcohol sales at the shop are restricted to between 10am at 8pm, and from noon on Sundays.

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service also objected that ‘a number of fire safety deficiencies’ identified at the premises back in November had not yet been addressed, and as such, ‘continue to present an unacceptable risk to occupants and other relevant persons in the event of fire’.

But the Fire Service would withdraw their objections if the shop could show the issues have been dealt with.

No concerns about the licence extension were raised by the police or members of the public.

But given the objections that were received, the application has will be heard by Herefordshire Council’s licensing sub-committee to decide on Monday, March 23.

Gwalia Stores is badged as being part of the Premier convenience store group, but such shops are independently owned and run.