We don’t want a 24-hour booze shop on our street – thugs are ruining our lives & we’re terrified of being attacked
RESIDENTS of a small suburb fear their lives will be ruined after a local shop was granted a 24-hour booze licence.
Locals of Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester, say that the store was recently rocked by a suspected gang-related shooting and its ability to serve alcohol through the night will only make things worse.
DA Shop was targeted in June 2021, when a group of men pulled up in a car and fired shots inside.
The bungled attack was after a fogging device was activated by staff, causing the building to be filled with smoke.
DA, which already opens from 5am to 1am, has now been granted council permission to open all night but many residents have blasted the decision.
One woman, who didn’t wish to be named, told The Sun Online: “I don’t think its a good idea full stop.
“I can’t understand why the shop needs a 24-hour licence to sell alcohol.
“There are always gangs of lads hanging around there and it will just make things worse and lead to anti-social behaviour.
“I also think it could bring more crime and disorder.”
Another local agreed, saying that the new licence will encourage “anti-social drinking“.
He added: “It used to be a lovely shop but it’s just become worse over the years.
“Kids are always hanging around on the benches outside and some people – especially the elderly – feel intimidated by them.
“It’s a nice place to live and it would be a shame if all that was ruined.”
Others accused the local council of failing to properly consult the community over the decision.
One long-standing resident said: “It could have a really detrimental effect on people living in the area and attract trouble.”
They added that they won’t walk past the shop alone for fear of being attacked and that “undesirables” hang around the area.
During the planning process, a representative of the shop said that it would be fitted with a new magnetic lock and that customers in the early hours would only be allowed inside once staff had seen them through the video doorbell.
A spokesperson for Stockport Council said: “The sub-committee considered all of the relevant representations, and the decision was set out at the end of the meeting.
“We will review any licence if we receive concerns from residents about a premises in their local area.”
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that court proceedings were ongoing over the shooting, following the arrest of three people, including a 15-year-old boy, for attempted murder.
The force was unable to provide any further information.