THE firm that now owns Hillworth Stores in Devizes wants to be able to sell alcohol for longer hours, but town councillors have objected to a licence change.

Central Stores, which owns the corner shop, wants to be able to sell alcohol from 5.30am to 11pm.

The company has applied to Wiltshire Council for a change to its licence, but town councillors are unhappy at the prospect of the extended hours.

Coun Ian Hopkins said: “I think it would be irresponsible to allow that to happen.”

Coun Albert Wooldridge was worried that if the shop was allowed to start serving alcohol before the current time of 8am, it would be used as a takeaway by people who had been out all night partying, who would go there to buy food and alcohol.

He said: “A lot of wrappings and other rubbish would be discarded on the grass area nearby.”

The town council’s planning committee voted to object to Wiltshire Council about the proposed change.

Central Stores, which owns more than 20 shops in the South West, took over the convenience store from its previous owner, Maria Johnson, last month. She is now employed by the company at its shop in Potterne.

The shop has been given a facelift and rebranded in bright green colours.

Its current licence allows it to be open 24 hours a day, but to sell alcohol only between 8am and 11pm between Monday and Saturday and from 10am to 10.30pm on Sundays.