Street's residents oppose takeaway (From Warrington Guardian)

Street's residents oppose takeaway

TEMPERS are running high in an Orford Street as residents wait with baited breath for the outcome of a controversial planning decision.

Warrington Borough Council has been inundated with petitions and letters objecting to the conversion of an off-licence on Longford Street into a late opening takeaway food outlet reflecting concerns over litter, opening hours and devaluation of nearby properties.

At a meeting of the development control committee held last month, objectors were given a stay of execution after ward Clr Mike Hannon appealed for members of the committee to defer their impending decision until a site visit had been carried out.

Committee members will visit the site, tomorrow, Friday, before a decision is reached at the next meeting of the committee on Wednesday, February 18.

Ian and Lydia Phelps who live next door to the proposed food outlet have voiced strong opposition to the plans but say they fear the worst.

Ian said: "I fear that the development control committee will proceed with planning permission regardless of the massive objections. It appears that residents around these parts have no say in planning matters whatsoever. We feel very let down and poorly treated."

Clr Mike Hannon, said: "The strength of feeling around here is overwhelming - we don'twant a takeaway here. But at the end of the day the question is whether the council will listen to us and refuse permission.

"The takeway will be next door to my home, the late opening hours will attract drunks from town on a weekend, there'll be litter and food smellsall the time. It's not the right location for somewhere like this."