GERMAN retail giant Aldi goes before Bradford Council's area licensing panel on Monday in the hope of getting permission to sell alcohol from 7am until 11pm but councillors will have to consider a petition against the proposal.

The store in Dubb Lane store is scheduled to be open well before Christmas as work continues apace on the two storey building beside the bypass.

And the food store owner has now submitted its application for a licence to sell alcohol from 7am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday.

There is only one letter of objection which is attached to a hand-written petition against approval and which purports to be signed by local stores, including Sainsbury's in Main Street, and the Co-op and Home Bargains both in the 5 Rise centre.

The letter states: "We have sent a petition signed by all local shopkeepers in the surrounding area that are against the grant to be given to ALDI.

"Further to this knowledge, we would like to inform you that giving ALDI the licence you would have to consider that it will cause more theft and crime which would affect the public safety and may cause some local public nuisance."

It also claims children might be served alcohol underage.

However, Bingley Chamber of Trade honorary president Howard Martin said he was unaware of any such opposition from businesses in the town.

"The Chamber of Trade has certainly not been petitioned about this, nor is it aware of any petition from people.

"As a body, we have absolutely no objection to this, nor am I aware of any.

"Personally, I can see no difference between Aldi selling alcohol or the Co-op or any other licensed retailer.

"I very much doubt if the branch managers of Sainsbury's, the Co-op or any stores have been involved in this."

Councillor David Heseltine (Con, Bingley) agreed.

You'd have thought these stores would have sent something in themselves if they were that concerned," he said.

"It doesn't seem as if its anybody at the point of control in these companies."

The officers' report to the licensing panel, asks councillors to make a decision based on the information provided to them, but notes Aldi's statement that: "The applicant is a responsible retailer and takes appropriate measures to deter thieves and shoplifters. There are no other likely crime and disorder issues.

"The applicant takes appropriate measures to ensure the protection of children from harm. Procedures are in place to attempt to ensure at all times that no person under the age of 18 is sold alcohol.

"Aldi operates more than 500 stores in the UK with licences free of conditions."

A spokesman for Co-operative Food distanced itself from the petition.

“The Co-operative Food believes that competition is good for the consumer and so would not object to another retailer moving into Bingley,” he said.

Neither Sainsbury's or Home Bargains were able to respond to requests for comment.