Green light for Savers in Wisbech to sell alcohol - but Fenland councillors impose strict conditions
DISCOUNT toiletries store Savers has been granted a licence to sell alcohol in Wisbech - but with strict conditions.
The market place shop was granted a licence despite fears from two complainants that it would increase anti-social behaviour in the town.
One insisted her “elderly acquaintances” were already “nervous to walk at night”, preferring to take a “taxi the short distance home from the bus station to avoid possible confrontation”.
The other said the area’s police and hospital staff were already “overstretched” in dealing with alcohol-related injuries and assaults.
However, Councillor Kay Mayor said at Tuesday’s meeting of Fenland District Council’s licensing committee, said: “We note and share those concerns with regard to the effect on police and NHS resources and the environment of Wisbech town centre.
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“However, these concerns should properly be dealt with in another place. We were however reassured by the presentation given by Savers who we note are a well established organisation and are taking their responsibilities seriously.”
Sgt Dave Bax had recommended the refusal of the application due to concerns about “the number of off-licensed premises within such a small area”.
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He said if the licensing committee were “mindful to grant it, perhaps there should be a message that this is not yet another off-licensed premises designed to feed public drinking.”
The town centre already has 26 off-licensed premises within a 1.5-square mile area, with a number of on-licenses too.
The shop is also situated in one of the Wisbech wards (Medworth) with the highest number of anti-social behaviour calls for rowdy nuisance (496) in the last 12 months.
