PERMISSION has been granted for another off-licence in Malven Link, a move which has angered local residents.

More than 300 people had added their names to a petition and five people had logged their objections to Malvern Hills District Council about the plans for the shop in Worcester Road, saying there were already enough places to buy alcohol in the area.

But Malvern Hills licensing sub committee granted permission to Mewa Singh to open the business when they met on Friday.

The licence grants Mr Singh permission to sell alcohol between 8am and 11pm daily. But hee must have a sign at the exit advising customers to leave quietly, must ask for identification from anyone believed to be under 21 and can only have deliveries between 8am and 6pm.

Garish Mehra, the owner of nearby newsagency Link News, who set up the petition, said he was disappointed at the outcome.

"This isn't a good decision for the 300 people who were against it," he said.

"Everyone is of the opinion that we don't need anymore outlets selling alcohol in the area -- there are already about 10 Also, Lidl is also opening at the end of the year, so that will be another.

"I don't know how it's going to affect my business, which is my bread and butter."

Phil Browning, Malvern Hills District Council licensing officer, said in reaching the decision, the sub-committee had regard to all the evidence presented before it and to the human rights of all parties. Objectors have the right of appeal against the decision of the sub-committee within 21 days from notification of the decision," he added.