A Haltwhistle petrol station has been granted a licence to sell alcohol 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Edens Lawn Service Station applied for permission from Northumberland County Council to supply alcohol Monday to Sunday from 12am-12am, as well as serve late-night refreshments from 11pm to 5am seven days a week. The property was taken over by Refuel Forcecourts in November.

Despite two objections from local residents, the council agreed to grant the licence following a hearing on Tuesday (May 21). Speaking at the hearing, company director Jennifer Zokiuddin explained why the application had been submitted.

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She said: “We are wanting to develop the petrol station and make sure it is the heart of the community, and make sure it stays there for the next 80 years. We want to make the site 24-hours and increase the job opportunities in the town.

“It has not been developed for a long time. We feel the selling of alcohol is what is needed, this is a popular tourist area.

“I appreciate objectors have some concerns. I do see that they have been considered on the grounds of prevention of crime and disorder, but I can see that the chief officer of police didn’t have any objections, nor did the fire service or the health and safety officer.

“Personally, I believe in our justice system, and the people in those higher positions. If they don’t have any objections, I don’t see any reason why it should not be granted.”

An objector, who was not named in council documents, said the application would create a 'significant unnecessary risk' due to the sale of alcohol, adding that there 'is an indisputable correlation between the use of alcohol and crime'.

However, Mrs Zokiuddin stated the objection had come from the owner of a pub in the town.

She said: "The people that have objected own a small pub. I would like to know if he does anything above and beyond, because some of the things he is requesting are above and beyond.”

The committee agreed to grant the licence.