Anti-social behaviour fears over Willenhall off licence

An application to open a store named Stroud Express, based in Brackendale Shopping Centre in Stroud Avenue, has been submitted to Walsall Council.

Applicant Raveendran Sinnathambi is looking to open a ‘one stop’ convenience store which will allowed to sell alcohol when it is open from 6am to 11pm seven days a week.

Police have raised no objections to the plan and have put forward conditions, agreed with Sinnathambi, to put in place if the licence is granted.

But there has been one strong objection which said the area has been a magnet for trouble in the past which will only be exasperated by this.

Objector Andrew Burns said: “I feel the area is already well served for the sale of alcohol not only by the Nisa on the same precinct but the Homestead public house right opposite the applicant’s premises.

“As well as those premises there are adequate licensed premises covering Bentley, Braiarsleigh, Lodge Farm and Lane Head.

“The history of Brackendale Precinct and public order should be taken into account with this application.

“The precinct has been plagued by ant-social behaviour since it was built in 1972.  Large groups of youths gathering at night has always been a problem here.

“With the precinct sited within a residential area and neighbouring houses being very close I feel an off licence trading until 11pm will only make matters worse for residents.”

In the application, agents representing Sinnathambi said: “The premises would be a small one stop convenience store for local customers.

“It will also provide many other such as parcels and bill payments. The applicant has over eight years experience in running retail premises with off licence.”

Walsall Council’s licensing sub-committee will decide whether or not to grant permission at a meeting on June 23.