POLICE say there are "no grounds" for them to object to a new off-licence opening on a Worcester estate - despite residents handing a 200-signature petition to magistrates.

Homeowners on Ronkswood estate claim another drink outlet was unnecessary and will fuel trouble from youngsters.

But the licence holder, Pamela Bradley denies this, saying the police are "more than happy" with the precautions she has taken.

In December, when Mrs Bradley, applied for a liquor licence, more than 200 people on the Ronkswood estate signed a petition saying "no".

One of the petition organisers, Clifford Burrows, said he objected because he thought bored, underage youths would try to persuade people to buy them alcohol, and the shop might even become a target for break-ins.

"There's the Punchbowl pub and the Co-op which sell alcohol already. We just don't need it," said nearby Canterbury Road resident, Clifford Holmes.

"All the usual investigations relating to a licence application were conducted, and there were no grounds for the police to object to the granting of this licence," said a police spokesman.

"We are aware local residents expressed some reservations through a petition presented to the court, although we understand that none of the petitioners appeared formally to make representations when the application was heard," he added.

No date has been set for the Ronkswood Beer Cellar to open, but all security arrangements are in place, said Mrs Bradley.

"The police and magistrates don't have a problem. It's in our interests to make sure there aren't kids hanging around with a can of beer because they would put off someone coming in for a bottle of wine," said Mrs Bradley, herself a mother who lives in Ronkswood.

"If I hadn't done it, somebody else would have done," she added.

"Once people have seen how we operate I'm sure they will be less concerned," she explained.