THE prospect of round-the-clock shopping is coming to Thirsk.

But the proposal has not met with universal approval, prompting one parish councillor to question the need for it.

Tesco announced a fortnight ago that its store in Northallerton was preparing to open all hours, like its Catterick counterpart.

Now the firm plans to open a new petrol filling station in Thirsk 24 hours a day, if its application is approved by Hambleton District Council's planning committee on Thursday.

The firm is in the process of expanding its Thirsk store and has also bought the old Woodhead and Bray garage site opposite, on the busy A61 Thirsk to Ripon road.

A spokesman for Tesco said: "Twenty-four-hour opening is something we have done in response to customer demand. It's an ever changing world and we have to keep up with the times.''

Mr Don Moore, chairman of Thirsk chamber of trade, agreed that round-the-clock opening was a sign of the times and was probably something the public would welcome.

However, he added: "It's a pity in a lot of ways that the independents can't afford to open 24 hours. It wouldn't be viable.

"We can't make an objection, because you can't object to competition. It's just a pity the independents can't follow suit, but they intend to look after their existing customers and new ones to the best of their abilities.''

Members of Sowerby Parish Council expressed concern over the firm's proposals, because of possible disturbance to residents.

Coun Don Cartridge said: "There aren't 24-hour shops in the middle of York, yet they want to do it in Thirsk.''

And chairman of Sowerby Parish Council, Coun Mark Robson, added: "I can guarantee next we'll get an application for 24-hour opening at Tesco's store like they have in Northallerton to go with this application.''

A spokesman for Tesco said he could not comment specifically on the Thirsk store, but said: "The whole 24-hour issue is something the business is moving towards. Where it is appropriate we will look to trade 24 hours.''