FURIOUS residents say they will fight plans to open an off-licence on their street, claiming it will attract drunken yobs.
The people of Bold Street, Accrington, have already sent off 75 letters of objection in a bid to block an application to convert a former general store into an off-licence.
The building, which has been closed for around 13 years, could be transformed into a store selling alcohol every day between 9am and 10.30pm.
One resident, Joyce Plummer, 65, said: "The Government is always saying there are more and more problems across the country which are drink-related.
"There are at least five places near here where you can buy alcohol and we don't need another one.
"About two years ago we had problems in this area with youths hanging around causing problems, and the police and councillors worked very hard to sort it out.
"With this application you would get youths congregating outside and it would be a real nuisance to the neighbours."
Residents fear the off-licence would act as a magnet, attracting under-age drinkers and leading to anti-social behaviour in the area.
Mrs Plummer added: "All the younger ones need is for an 18-year-old to go into the shop to buy alcohol for them and they will start congregating."
The applicant, Asif Javed, was unavailable for comment as the Observer went to press.
