Residents are opposing an application to allow a Bradford shop to sell alcohol late at night, saying it could exacerbate anti-social behaviour in the surrounding area.

More than 250 residents have signed a petition objecting to the new premises licence for Mr Bargain Value Store in Torre Road, Buttershaw.

The application, which will be considered by members of the Bradford Licensing Panel tomorrow, would enable the store to sell alcohol from 10am to 11pm.

Concerns raised by residents include sales to underage drinking, noise from groups of youths and the potential for broken glass and litter.

A letter sent to Bradford Council with the petition from Cooper Lane Post Office, said: “Our main concern is the issue of anti-social behaviour. The area already has a reputation for anti-social behaviour and drink-related crime, and backs on to the Buttershaw housing estate.

“The post office is also an essential utility for the area’s large elderly community, who have already complained about feeling intimidated by large groups of youths who congregate around the parade of shops.”

Another letter from a resident living in Torre Road said: “The area already has problems with young people gathering together in groups around the area of shops and I feel that if alcohol is available until 11pm it would get worse.”

A petition submitted to the Council by applicant Shahid Mahmood in support of the licence has been signed by around 100 people.

Members of the panel have also been asked whether some of the streets named in the petition are in the vicinity of the premises in order for the representations to be valid.

Mr Mahmood has proposed installing lighting and notices asking patrons to leave the shop quietly as well as a proof-of-age scheme to tackle under-age drinking and a litter clearance scheme.