New One Stop store to open in Thorntree

One Stop has been awarded the alcohol licence for a potential new store at 15 Shelton Court store in Thorntree that’s stood empty for three years.

Local people objected through letters and petitions, however, most of their concerns were ruled as not being relevant to the licensing committee given its narrow scope.

Cllr Janet Thompson and Cllr Graham Wilson, who both represent Brambles and Thorntree, spoke out against the proposed store that could spring up in their ward.

Labour’s Cllr Thompson said: “My concern is anti-social behaviour and litter. I know there is anti-social behaviour in the area, we have had real problems in the past. Because of that, I have had to submit grant funding for two CCTV cameras in the area.”

Cllr Wilson, who is a member of the Middlesbrough Independent Councillors’ Association, is also worried about the impact on litter. He added: “I don’t want to see more broken glass around the area. You see bottles of wine and alcohol all over the grass verge. I don’t want to see anymore. It’s just not a good place to have a second shop. It’s not fair on residents.”

The committee heard how youths congregate causing serious nuisance and anti-social behaviour to people in the area. There were also concerns that robbery and arson, which currently occur, could worsen if another premises serving alcohol opened.

Mr Abbas, who has owned a newsagents at Shelton Court for the past 20 years, organised a petition against the new shop. He said he was well-integrated into the community which is why he knows who shouldn’t be sold alcohol.

Nicola Smith, who represented One Stop, said staff are trained to deal with nuisance behaviour inside and outside the store, good-quality CCTV would be installed and the shop would work closely with Cleveland Police. Ms Smith added: “We do not consider there is sufficient evidence that granting this licence will add to existing situations of anti-social behaviour.”

Through its other Middlesbrough stores, One Stop has supported various organisations across the town, including Middlesbrough Amateur Swimming Club and the White Feather Project.

The council granted the licence for 8am to 10pm daily but has added a number of conditions. These include no sales of beer or cider stronger than 6.5% and alcohol must not take up more than 20% of the display area.

There is currently a planning application lodged with the council to install air conditioning units, a delivery ramp and a rear entrance.