A shop that was given permission to trade alcohol despite the recommendations of trading standards and police has opened in Wisbech.

Police licensing officer Phil Richardson wanted an application submitted by the owners of Baltic International Food refused under the council’s own cumulative impact policy that restricts the number of alcohol outlets in the town.

However, councillors agreed to grant the shop a license last month, after chairman Michael Humphrey said his members felt the applicant had provided “sufficient evidence to rebut the presumption that we would normally refuse the application.”

The new shop, on High Street, was opened by president of the Wisbech and District Chamber of Commerce, and will be managed by Mems Yasar.

Owner of the business, Ferhat Aras, said: “Prior to this, we had a store in Littleport so I’m very pleased to now be opening a business in Wisbech.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone with our friendly service”.

The store will be open seven days a week from 8am until 11pm.