By Christian Barnett

Copyright birminghammail

Several objections have been raised over plans to open a new off-licence saying the rise in late-night shops has turned a high street into a ‘health and safety risk.’ A meeting will be held to decide whether the new shop can open in Bearwood Road, Bearwood, Smethwick , following a number of complaints from neighbours. The new off-licence would open in the former Twisty Pretzel bakery next door to another off-licence JM Shop which opened last year. One objector said smashed glass bottles, drug paraphernalia and human waste were making Bearwood Road a “health and safety risk.” “The high street has more than its fair share of establishments selling alcoholic beverages and food,” the objection said. “We do not require any more.” A number of objections have been raised against the plan for the shop, which would be open from 9am to 11pm every day according to the application by Ali Ashorbig, which means a decision will have to be made by Sandwell Council’s licensing committee at a meeting in Oldbury on September 23. Read more: Smethwick shop caught selling fake vapes and alcohol without a licence Read more: Change of plan for £1m landmark Wednesbury home after special school move scrapped Read more: Plans to triple size of Midland mosque – but eyebrows raised over lack of parking Read more: Council overruled on new care home after concerns over bedroom size and parking Another objector said there was “no demonstrable need” for another off-licence in Bearwood Road. “The area is surrounded by many schools,” the objection read. “It is already subject to problems that place young people at risk; adding late-night alcohol sales and vapes could normalise and attract further harmful behaviour. “It is important to note that the immediate area already has multiple off licences, with the nearest being next door. “The saturation of such premises has not improved the area’s condition, in fact it has coincided with the rise in disorder, littering and nuisance behaviour. “There is no demonstrable need for another outlet such as this on Bearwood Road.” One resident living in nearby Wattis Road said they were “increasingly concerned” by the increase in late-night shops in Bearwood. “Currently, the area already hosts four such establishments, Quincy’s Market, The Bob Shop, JM Shop and Vape, and Eagles Booze, all of which sell similar products and maintain similar storefronts. “The cumulative impact of these shops has coincided with a noticeable increase in antisocial behaviour, including loitering, disturbances during late hours, and suspicious activity involving vehicles parked outside these premises.”