A SUPERMARKET is on the verge of gaining approval for controversial plans to extend its opening hours.

The Co-op store in Boroughbridge Road, Northallerton, has applied to Hambleton District Council for permission to open from 7am to 10pm every day.

The store currently trades from 8am to 8pm and its latest plans have been opposed by many residents.

Council officers have received five letters of complaint, saying 24-hour shopping is already available in the town centre and that residents would have to suffer the noise of delivery trucks at early hours of the morning.

Local councillor Peter Brown said: "I feel that it would be very wrong to increase the trading hours until later every evening."

However, the scheme has been supported by council officials, who are recommending approval for a one-year trial period. It will be discussed at a planning committee meeting on Thursday