New convenience store set to open in Wirral town

A new convenience store is set to open in a month despite opposition from people in the area. This had been fuelled by concerns it could impact a similar store nearby as well as public safety despite assurances it would be “very well run.”

The current vacant premises at 86 Woodchurch Lane in Prenton was previously a hairdressers called Oscars Hairshop, but in a month it will become Tranmere’s Bodega. A licence to sell alcohol there was granted by Wirral Council at a licensing meeting on 15 January despite 133 people signing a petition against an application.

Ian Rushton from JL Licensing represented the applicant Saranjah Baskaran said it would be a general convenience store with alcohol being part of the overall business. He said Ms Baskaran already had a licence in Wallasey and experience in other areas meaning she was “more than capable of running the store well.”

He said the shop would be “very well run” and had tried to contact people living in the area to try and give reassurance. Mr Rushton said it was a brand new store, adding: “There seems to be a fear this shop will cause or increase antisocial behaviour if the application was granted today. There are clearly antisocial behaviour problems in many areas, it’s a general issue in our communities.”

However Sonya Bateman raised concerns about the impact on her children and said she was representing the people who signed the petition, adding: “Living nearby I can attest that even a small gathering outside similar premises cause significant noise and disruption to residents.”

She said the petition showed widespread opposition in the nearby area arguing they felt it would be harmful to the area, adding: “It will significantly disrupt the community jeopardising the peace and safety of residents.”

However it was confirmed the petition was linked to a nearby corner store and there was a feeling a new shop would be competition and take business away from that store with one person signing it who lived a mile away. Mrs Bateman said she had had no issues or reason to complain about the store that was currently open.

In reaching their decision, Cllr Andrew Hodson said the committee had been told people’s concerns were “based on fear and apprehension, not evidence that the granting of the application would undermine the licensing objectives.” While they considered the representations sent to them, councillors pointed out no responsible authorities had raised concerns including Merseyside Police and any decision must be evidence based.

Councillors allowed the off license to open Sunday to Saturday 7am to 11pm selling alcohol during these times and its owners said it expected to open in about a month. Deliveries cannot be made between 5pm and 8am.

(Local Democracy Reporting Service)