A RUNAWAY Shetland pony has been cited among reasons why councillors should refuse plans for a new village off-licence.

Members of a Durham County Council licensing committee are due to decide next week (Tuesday, November 10) whether to grant an alcohol licence to a planned shop in Front Street, Sherburn Village.

The Northern Echo:

An application has been made to sell alcohol at 24 Front Street, Sherburn Village

Amrik Singh has applied to the council to sell alcohol from 11am – 9.30pm Monday – Saturday and 12pm – 8.30pm on Sundays at Shergill Stores,

But despite several letters to the council supporting Mr Singh, including ones praising his character and the contribution he makes to the village, others, including Durham Police, have criticised the scheme.

While police have raised concerns about increased congestion and binge drinking fears, one submission to the Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee was concerns about the impact such a store could have on a nearby family pet pony.

It said: “It [the pony] got out this morning and was running up and down front street causing a lot of problems with the traffic before they caught it.

“I personally think an alcohol shop next door to a young family is a very bad idea.

“Having a Shetland pony in the front garden does not cause any problems at the moment but if the licence is granted, youths could cause a lot of distress to the animal.”

Among the submissions to the committee were three letters praising Mr Singh while nine were received opposing the scheme.

Council officers have made recommendations they want to see included to prevent under-age alcohol sales.

Planning officers have also noted that changing the premises from its current designated use as an office to a shop would require a separate application for a temporary or permanent alteration.

The building has previously been used as offices and as a chiropodist’s clinic.

A letter from Aimee Guest, a licensing officer for Durham Police, said the store would generate an increase in footfall, which could lead to problems on Front Street, where there is no parking.

She added: “There are already two off licences competing for trade in the village, the increased competition is likely to lead to discounting which can lead to the encouragement of binge drinking.

“There is a great deal of opposition from the public which indicates the proposal would not be servicing an identified need.”