Prospective Winchester MP Steve Brine is working with residents in St Cross who are gravely concerned about an application from BP Oil Ltd for a New Premises Licence at St Cross Filling Station, St Cross Road, Winchester.
Steve and local St Michaels Ward councillor, Ian Tait met around 50 residents at the site on Wednesday (September 9 2009) to listen to concerns about the application. They range from noise, litter and increased traffic to the general effect on their neighbourhood.
The application, which will be heard under the Licensing Act 2003 will request Late night refreshment 2300 to 0500 every day and the Supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises 0800 to 2300 every day.
Prospective MP Steve Brine said; “Although the new licence may prove economically viable for BP it would be potentially very damaging to the local community. The problems associated with easily available alcohol on, literally, ever street corner are real. As a parent bringing up a young family myself in this city, we should be encouraging a more responsible culture for the safety of all residents not making it easier to pick up cheap booze at any time of day or night.”
Mr Brine went onto say that he was had discussions with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling on a recent visit to Winchester and that an incoming Conservative Government would want to draw a line under the drink-related violence and drink-related crime that is now a massive problem across the country.
He added; "We need to look at the unbelievable availability of very cheap alcohol. Drinks licences are being granted to late-night food shops too easily. We've got to do something about this and will come forward with formal proposals on the issue this Autumn.”
Ward councillor Ian Tait added; “There is understandable concern locally about increased noise, litter, traffic and anti-social behaviour from a changed premises at St Cross Garage. This is a residential area, with a number of vulnerable residents living in Forder Court. People here have a right to live without this on their doorstep. We would urge residents to write and make their opinions heard as below.”
Residents are also being supported in their wish to make their voices heard on the issue by Cllr Robert Sanders, who also represents St Michaels Ward on the City Council.
More information ….
You can view the helpful leaflet delivered to residents in the area by clicking the ‘Download this item as PDF’ link below.
You can visit the application online via Winchester City Council’s website here.
Note: St Michaels Ward has three councillors; the third being Cllr Fiona Mather who as a member of WCC’s Licensing Committee is not allowed to prejudice her role on the issue by expressing an opinion prior to committee.
Photo; Steve Brine and Cllr Ian Tait with residents at the garage on Wednesday September 9 2009; courtesy of Southampton Daily Echo.