POLICE are hoping to put plans for a new wine club on ice because of fears about it causing a nuisance to neighbours.

David Tindale, from Brandon, near Durham, wants to set up a postal order wine club from his home in Roman Way.

Mr Tindale has applied for a licence for David of Durham Wine, which would allow him to sell alcohol online and deliver it through the post.

Durham Police has objected to the application along with six people living near Mr Tindale, who are worried about the impact it would have on the residential area.

PCSO Martin Haigh, from the police’s harm reduction unit, said the police were concerned about the accessibility of the business by children, underage sales and the impact of the postal order business on the local community.

The police also raised issues about security at the property and the increased risk of criminal activity because of storing alcohol there, and the risk of local orders being delivered directly to customers as a “dial-a-drink” service.

Concerns have also been raised about wine parties, which have been advertised on Mr Tindale’s website.

Several residents have also objected, pointing to a covenant made when the bungalows were built in the 1970s which says the properties should not be used for trade, business of profession.

One neighbour said: “My own opinion is that a business such as this which stores alcohol on ‘residential’ property would be a magnet for criminals.

“This is a residential area, many of the residents are retired and some are disabled. We moved to the area for peace and quiet, for relaxation and to help one another when needed.

“We do not need a business such as this within our residential area.”

Mr Tindale says the deliveries would be made to avoid causing disturbances to neighbours and added he intends to use the website www.shopify.co.uk to verify the age of customers to ensure they are legally able to buy alcohol.

He said: “The licensee will ensure that staff who arrive early morning or depart late at night [ex. For unpacking, pricing newly delivered goods] when the business has ceased trading conduct themselves in such a manner to avoid causing disturbance to nearby residents.”

Durham County Council will decide whether to grant to licence at a meeting on Tuesday, September 6. It starts at 10am at the council’s offices in Green Lane, Spennymoor.