A DARLINGTON newsagent has been granted a licence to sell alcohol, amid concerns from local residents about anti-social behaviour.

Martins, in Whitby Way, in the Branksome area, will be allowed to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between 6am and 9pm, but must make attempts to stop noisy customers, inconsiderate parking and groups of youths gathering outside the store.

The alcohol licence application for was submitted by owner Martin McColl Ltd, a national chain of stores, ahead of a refurbishment of the premises as it looks to expand the range of services offered in the shop.

The application was considered by three councillors sitting on a sub-committee of Darlington Borough Council’s licensing committee following objections from residents living close to the shop.

Among the concerns raised by those living nearby were problems with group of youths congregating outside the shop, noise from cars and large amounts of litter, which they fear will increase with the alcohol licence.

The initial application for Martins had requested a licence to sell alcohol between 6am and 11pm but, following the residents’ objections, the application was amended to 9pm before it reached the committee.

The sub-committee heard from David Crank, a solicitor representing Martin McColl, who said the company had a policy of changing its newsagents into convenience stores, to keep up with customer demand.

Speaking about the residents’ concerns, he said: “We did look at the hours we had requested and the representations from residents and we are happy to amend the application to 9pm.

“In terms of the issues about behaviour and noise, we have responsibility for the area around the shop – we will put notices up around the shop asking people to be mindful of residents and about parking legally.

“Hopefully some of the residents’ issues will be improved by the reduction in opening hours.”

Granting the licence application sub-committee chairman Lee Vasey said: “I feel that pulling back the licensed hours to 9pm will go a long way to satisfying public concerns about nuisance.”

The application was granted with conditions that include the use of CCTV to monitor the alcohol sales area, use of the Challenge 25 scheme and signage to remind customers to respect local residents.