A RISHTON takeaway has won the right to serve late-night food and alcohol despite protests from angry residents.
Owners of The Balti House on High Street applied to serve alcohol between 5pm and 12.30am from Sunday to Thursday and from 5pm to 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.
They also wanted to serve food between 5pm and midnight from Sunday to Thursday and from 5pm to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
But the plans came under fire from residents who claimed they would lead to antisocial behaviour and litter on the streets.
In a letter to the council's Licensing Committee, resident Sandra Wallace said: "My back street is used as a toilet by people waiting for food at The Balti House every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.
"There is noise from people going in and out or waiting for food. They are so loud that in summer months you cannot have your back door or windows open.
"There are empty pizza cartons and cans on the street blowing all over and it is disgusting, not to mention the food that is thrown down on the floor.
"It is ridiculous as there are no nightclubs in Rishton and the pubs close at 1am.
"We have enough pubs in this small town without The Balti House staying open until nearly 3am selling alcohol."
Barkat Raschid, brother of owner Tahiba Raschid, said: "The business has been there since the 1980s and we have always tried to keep things running as smoothly as possible.
"Inspectors have made regular visits. They are happy with the shop and everything is kept clean and perfect inside.
"Last week a car blocked our back alleyway which meant the binmen couldn't get to it. This wasn't our fault but we had to ring them later to take the bins away."
The takeaway will be able to serve alcohol from Sunday to Thursday between 5pm and midnight and from 5pm to 2am on Friday and Saturday.
The opening hours will be 5pm to 12.30am from Sunday to Thursday and from 5pm to 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.
