COUNCILLORS have approved a bid to create a 24-hour alcohol delivery service despite objections from residents about booze-fuelled trouble.

Seaham Booze and Delivery on The Avenue in Deneside had its licensing application approved by Durham County Council. It means revellers will be able to have drink delivered to their homes at any time of the day or night.

But police have insisted that strict procedures are in place to ensure alcohol is not sold to underage drinkers.

Residents objected to the licence claiming they already suffered at the hands of inebriates, who leave litter and get involved in anti social behaviour.

Police said the service must operate a Challenge 25 policy, in which anyone who looks under 25 must have photo ID.

A police spokesman said: "Visual and personal interaction with customers will enable staff to determine if the customer is fit to be sold alcohol.

"If staff believe a person to be intoxicated with drink or drugs they will be refused.

"Orders over the telephone will be refused if the person sounds intoxicated."

Delivery drivers will carry personal attack alarms, minimum amounts of cash, or none if card payments if enforced, and vans will carry a minimum of stock.

Deliveries will be made by a licence holder wearing a high definition head camera to record transactions and anti social behaviour.

The council’s statutory licensing sub committee at Spennymoor also insisted opening times for the premises are 8am to 9pm, and not 6am-10pm as requested.

Applicant Stuart Arkley said: "The vast majority of the restrictions had already been negotiated with the police. The only one that hadn’t was the opening times of the premises but we are more than happy with the outcome."