A NEWSAGENT has been granted a drinks licence, despite opposition from members of a north Durham community.

Residents and councillors objected to the alcohol application from Barry Seymour at Everyday News, on Front Street, in Sherburn Village, near Durham.

Concerns were raised about drink-fuelled disorder on the surrounding streets and alcohol being supplied to underage young people.

The council received seven letters of representation with comments from Sherburn Parish Council, Durham County Councillor Carol Woods and residents of the area.

Stephen Guy, of St Mary’s Drive, Sherburn Village, said: “I strongly oppose the licence and urge you to reject it in its entirety to prevent crime and disorder, to protect the safety of the public and those who reside in the area, including young people, who are illegally consuming alcohol."

Durham police withdrew its objections after meeting with Mr Seymour who assured them he would comply with strict conditions.

Mr Seymour said there would be CCTV outside the store to stop people trying to buy booze for youngsters and the store would not sell to people who appeared to be under 25 without photographic ID.

He said: “Concerning threats to community, we will have two cameras to help detect proxy sales and people involved in it will be barred from the shop.

“We will mark all alcohol with a UV pen so it is traceable back to us.

“We will only serve alcohol from behind the counter so we will be able to look at all of the people who want to buy alcohol in the face and see if they look over 25.”

The licence was granted by the statutory licensing sub-committee of Durham County Council at County Hall in Durham earlier today (Friday, May 31).

Councillor Colin Carr, the committee chairman, said: “We are prepared to grant the licence on the grounds that all of the conditions set out by the police are complied with.”