The protest group had expressed fears of an increase in under-age drinking in the village.

More than 20 people attended Chorley Magistrates Court to protest about the opening of what will be the fifth off-licence in the village.

But, despite the strength of local opposition, Chorley Council's licensing department granted national company, Bargain Booze, a provisional liquor licence for 102 Chorley Road. The store will open on Friday, October 10.

Adlington councillor Doug Hoyle addressed the licensing bench on behalf of the town council and voiced villagers' concerns about increased litter, more frequent under-age drinking and nuisance behaviour, late opening hours and increased traffic and parking problems.

He said: "I am very sorry for all the residents because I think they will have problems arising from this decision.

"I was hoping we might have got a bit more support from local police, but they didn't object to it."

Michael Leyland has run family business, Leyland Confectioners and Off-Licence, situated directly opposite the Bargain Booze site, for 20 years.

He said: "It is a massive blow to me. I am certain it will damage my business."

Bargain Booze national licensing manager Rick Laithwaite said: "People are worrying needlessly. I know the public think it's going to attract kids but our off-licences don't do that simply because our advertising is aimed at people with houses and cars.

"Our name may suggest we are like a bargain basement but we are a very professional chain."

A NEW off-licence has been given permission to open, despite

protests from Adlington residents.

The protest group had expressed fears of an increase in under-age drinking in the village.

More than 20 people attended Chorley Magistrates Court lto protest about the opening of what will be the fifth off-licence in the village.

But, despite the strength of local opposition, Chorley Council's licensing department granted national company, Bargain Booze, a provisional liquor licence for 102 Chorley Road. The store will open on Friday, October 10.

Adlington councillor Doug Hoyle addressed the licensing bench on behalf of the town council and voiced villagers' concerns about increased litter, more frequent under-age drinking and nuisance behaviour, late opening hours and increased traffic and parking problems.

He said: "I am very sorry for all the residents because I think they will have problems arising from this decision.

"I was hoping we might have got a bit more support from local police, but they didn't object to it."

Michael Leyland has run family business, Leyland Confectioners and Off-Licence, situated directly opposite the Bargain Booze site, for 20 years.

He said: "It is a massive blow to me. I am certain it will damage my business."

Bargain Booze national licensing manager Rick Laithwaite said: "People are worrying needlessly. I know the public think it's going to attract kids but our off licences don't do that simply because our advertising is aimed at people with houses and cars.

"Our name may suggest we are like a bargain basement but we are a very professional chain."