LATE-night alcohol sales at a city petrol station could attract vandalism and drunkeness, nearby residents fear.

The bid by BP for a licence to stock drink and offer snacks throughout the night at its St Cross Road venue, has fuelled a massive protest from people who live close to the Winchester garage.

The garage has asked Winchester City Council if it can sell alcohol up until 11pm, and food and drink from midnight to 5am.

Residents say they fear it will attract trouble to the area and lead to more noise and street litter.

Karen Dunford, 54, who lives nearby, said: “It’s going to act as a magnet for people coming from town who have been out drinking. I think we’ll have more vandalism and litter.

“Just last night there was a report released saying we need fewer places selling alcohol — and here we are with another outlet!”

Ms Dunford was also concerned about people gathering outside the petrol station.

She added: “We’re outside the Alcohol Exclusion Zone so what better place to come and sit on the wall and drink?”

Katharine Heathcote, of St Cross Road, said she was worried about the increased noise, litter and traffic.

She said: “I think there are people in Winchester who clearly have an alcohol problem, you see them sitting around, and they will, quite possibly, come down to St Cross.

“We have The Queen Inn and The Bell Inn, both serve good quality beer and food, so why we need late night refreshments and alcohol until 11pm I just don’t know.

“The Government is trying to encourage people to stop the sale of alcohol to reduce drunkenness and rowdiness, which is linked to crime.”

Ian Tait, city councillor for St Cross, said there was concern about the impact on Forder Court, council accommodation next to the petrol garage that housed “vulnerable people”.

He added: “It’s a very tight-knit community in St Cross and there is concern over the noise issues.

“There is also genuine concern that as people return from the centre of Winchester into a residential area they will be stopping off to buy alcohol.”

Steve Brine, the Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Winchester, said a new licence might be commercially good for BP, but it would be socially bad for residents.

“The problems associated with easily available alcohol on, literally, ever street corner are real,” he said.

“We should be encouraging a more responsible culture for the safety of all residents in this city, not making it easier to pick up cheap booze at any time of day or night.”

A spokeswoman for BP confirmed the garage was not looking to extend the period that it sells petrol.

She added: “BP is a responsible neighbour in areas where petrol stations are close to neighbouring homes, and takes the concerns of residents seriously.”

Winchester City Council's licensing sub-committee will determine the application at the Guildhall on Friday, October 9 at 9.30am