COUNCILLORS have granted an alcohol licence for a Wyke shop after its owners agreed to reduce its planned opening hours.

Concerns had been raised over the plan to sell alcohol at Nyla Stores, a store that recently opened on Drake Fold. Councillor David Warburton had written to the Council to say the business could make the area’s problems with anti social behaviour and crime much worse.

The application, submitted by Barzan Hussein, was discussed at a meeting of the Bradford District Licensing Panel yesterday. Members heard that he had wanted to sell alcohol to boost business, as the shop was currently struggling.

Although they had originally applied to sell alcohol from 9am to midnight, they told members that they were willing to compromise on these times.

Cllr Warburton said he wanted to see the business go ahead, but pointed out that the local crime reduction officer had expressed concern over how safe from crime a business selling alcohol in that area would be.

The Panel approved the licence on the condition the business only sell alcohol between 9am and 10pm on Sunday to Thursday and 9am to 11pm on Friday and Saturday. They also said alcohol should not be sold until a CCTV system is installed.