RESIDENTS have hit out at a plan for a petrol station to sell alcohol throughout the day.

An application has been submitted to Colchester Council for the BP-owned Eastwood Service Station on Ipswich Road, Colchester, to be able to sell alcohol to be consumed off the premises between 7am and 11pm.

Initially, a bid was lodged to be able to sell booze around the clock but it has now been amended to match the opening times.

Residents have raised concerns about litter, anti-social behaviour and have said alcohol provision is available at the nearby Tesco store.

One resident also raised concerns serving the booze could lead to a rise in drink driving related accidents.

BP has pledged to have a CCTV system at the petrol station with cameras facing the entrance and alcohol stands, to maintain an adequate level of staff at all times, and to challenge anyone attempting to buy alcohol who looks younger than 25 for proof of age.

Plans for a revamp to the petrol station were agreed by the council despite a 35 name petition against the upgrades.

A new sales building, canopy, fuel pumps and car wash are put of the upgrade. The petrol station has been closed works to take place.

The council’s licensing sub-committee will discuss the alcohol sales application on Friday.