A SUPERMARKET in Westbury has successfully applied to extend the hours in which it is allowed to sell alcohol.

German giants, Aldi, applied to change the hours it is allowed to sell alcohol to its customers.

Under the older licence, the supermarket is allowed to sell alcohol between the hours of 8am and 11pm.

The proposed changes were to extend those hours from 6am through to midnight.

Lisa Gilligan, representing Aldi said there was no intention to permanently change trading patterns at the shop but the application was to provide greater flexibility.

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Ms Gilligan noted that only one representation was received from the town council and none from residents.

“But conscious of the issues raised, Aldi were happy to amend the application to a start time of 7am,” she said.

The representative added that she was also happy to compromise and keep the closing hour at 11pm but this suggestion was not accepted.

Cllr Peter Hutton asked if the supermarket would use the full hours under the licence or if it would be utilised during periods such as Christmas.

Ms Gilligan confirmed that it would be during certain periods and when required.

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Representing the town council, Cllr Mike Kettlety said that the authority continued to oppose the bid because of a concern over increased deliveries and disturbances to nearby residents.

“It would interfere with residents’ rights to rest and relaxation,” he told the Western Area Licensing sub-committee.

“8am is fairly acceptable to the residents and the prevention of harm to children is a particular concern as there’s a junior school within 500 yards of the premises and a new residential development is being built to the east of the property.”

The councillor also claimed the objections raised around crime and disorder were done so because the police did not have the resources to “adequately cover the town”.

On this, Cllr Kettlety was asked what evidence there was that was not available to the committee.

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“The reports from our police liaison officer suggest there is a degree of disturbance which is caused by excess alcohol consumption,” the councillor said.

“It is difficult to lay that at the door of any particular area of sales but there is a problem.”

Ms Gilligan said there was no evidence of issues relating to the store and that when Aldi had opened earlier or later – no complaints had been made.

After adjourning the meeting for 25 minutes for councillors to reach a decision, the sub-committee ruled that Aldi would be granted the licence for the sale of alcohol between 6am and midnight, Monday to Sunday.

Watch the full meeting below: