Under-age drinking could spiral out of control in Horsforth if a liquor licence is passed, according to one councillor.

Councillor Chris Townsley (Lib Dem, Horsforth) is opposing an application for a liquor licence at the Esso snack shop on Broadway.

He believes that if the licence is granted youths using the nearby Hall Park skatepark will try and purchase alcohol and under-age drinking could increase.

"I am appalled at the very thought of this application," he said. "These premises are situated at the very busy A65 and A6120 roundabout and adjacent to Hall Park.

"In the park and almost opposite to the petrol filling station is a skatepark, which is extremely popular with the young people of the area.

"We are experiencing a problem in Horsforth with under-age drinking and I can only suggest that the granting of this licence will increase the temptation to purchase alcohol. The police and the Leeds City Council's park rangers are currently investigating similar misuse of alcohol by young people gathering at the nearby Rawdon Billing."

He has written to the Licensing Justices at Leeds Magistrates Court to oppose the application.

Coun Townsley is urging worried residents to contact him on (0113) 259 0555.

A spokesman for Esso said that the shop provides an important service to the local community. "We are concerned to hear that some local residents have expressed reservations about the application. We are applying to sell alcohol as we believe, based on our experience with other shops in our chain, that customers appreciate this additional range of goods."