NEIGHBOURS of a petrol station in March have objected to the shop selling alcohol 24 hours a day because it will affect their quality of life.

Pace Petroleum, on Dartford Road, have applied to Fenland District Council for the 24hr licence but David Lyons, who lives on a nearby road, has lodged a complaint with the council.

Mr Lyons said: “I do not feel that this is a necessary or essential requirment as there are ample existing outlets to buy alcohol from.

“There have already been a number of occaisions since the granting of the 24 hour opening hours where we have been disturbed at night with noise from those using the garage.

“My wife has been round to the forecourt in the middle of the night to break up a fight and had no assistance from the previous staff, who thought it was funny and wouldn’t call the police.

“Introducing alcohol to the situations that sometimes arise would surely make matters a lot worse.

“It would create more litter, we already pick up a lot from our driveway and garden on a daily basis and do not want this to be added to with bottles and cans.

“We have two young children to consider and their sleep should not be compromised.

“We would hate for the sake of the garage making extra profit that our quality of life living next door would be overlooked and disregarded.”

In 2010, nearly half of the petrol station’s customers used it as a shop, which sells fresh and snack foods, groceries, confectionery, drinks and tobacco, with more than a third only buying fuel there.

Councillors will decide whether to grant the 24 hour licence in a committee meeting at Fenland Hall on Thursday morning.