AN Evesham sandwich shop is likely to be granted a late licence despite fears the extended opening hours could give rise to town centre violence

Town councillors voiced concerns about the consequences of Subway Sandwiches in Bridge Street being allowed to open until the early hours. If the licence is passed by Wychavon district councillors the shop, opposite Innuendo nightclub, will stay open until 3am from Thursdays to Saturdays.

Councillor John Smith, speaking at a meeting on Monday (13/12), said: "We hear from the police time and time again that problems are caused by late night openings of eating establishments. I have nothing against this particular business but I don't think we should be supporting opening hours until 3am in the morning."

Cllr Roma Kirke said: "We have a tremendous amount of problems with the elderly residents in Cowl Street, and I think you will find there is a case where you can say enough is enough. We can refuse this if we feel there are too many eating places in one area. At that time in the morning the police are stretched."

But Cllr Stephen Selby supported the application: "It might actually stop a lot of the trouble. We have the fish and chip shop down the road with queues of people pushing and shoving, and the kebab houses in the High Street and Port Street. This is somewhere else where people can eat, and stop the fighting."

Cllr Sophie Christopher added: "People need somewhere to go to get something to eat after they have come out of a nightclub. That is quite a traditional thing and I would have thought that would sober people up a bit."

Councillors voted by a majority of 10 to seven in favour of supporting the application. A final decision will be made by district councillors within the next six weeks.