AN application has yet to be submitted, but the prospect of a new Co-op store in Wylam has already sparked unrest.

In February, the retailer announced plans to convert the former Wylam Garage into a convenience store and notice of an application for a premises licence for the proposed store was recently posted in the village.

The Co-op is seeking a licence to sell groceries, sundry items and alcohol seven days a week, between the hours of 6am and 11pm.

The prospect of the sale of alcohol over 17 hours each day has caused concern among villagers.

This sense of disquiet is fuelled by the close proximity of the Main Street premises to both a residential area and the Jubilee playing fields, which have been plagued by anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the parish council, resident Jennifer Power said that the application could have a huge potential impact.

She said: “There is a group of residents living in the close vicinity (of the premises) who are preparing an objection as a group.”

Vice-chairman, Coun Tom Martin, said that as the parish council was not a statutory consultee on licensing applications it had no more information than that on the notice.

He said: “My personal view is that I’m extremely concerned about how close it is to the playing fields.

“The playing field association works very hard on our behalf and has struggled in particular over the last three or four years with issues of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

“We can’t say that alcohol is connected with that but I would imagine there’s is a possibility that there is.”

It was agreed that the parish council would respond to the application, expressing its concern and noting that the police would have a log of recent vandalism at the site.

All representations regarding the licensing application must be sent by July 22, in writing to: Licensing, Public Protection, Northumberland County Council, Stakeford Depot, East View, Stakeford, Northumberland, NE62 5TR.

At the time of going to press the Co-op Food had not responded to a request for comment.