Almost 200 residents have objected to plans to open an off licence on a street at the centre of anti-social behaviour controversy.

A petition of residents opposing the application to for a licence for Avenue Food and Wine on 92 Northcourt Avenue has received 194 signatures, while 21 letters of objection have been sent to Reading Borough Council (RBC).

Ilmeet Kaur Chopra is looking to open the shop from 7am to midnight.

Residents have complained about the proximity of the shop to another off licence and a scouts headquarters.

One resident said: “In addition to the existing licensed premises at 159 Northcourt Avenue, there are at least another four licensed retailers within a mile of this location.

“Residents already suffer antisocial behaviour and noise nuisance in the area – at all times of day and night.

“Having a licensed presmies open seven days a week from early morning until midnight will only make this worse.”

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The Northcourt Avenue Residents’ Association (NARA) have led opposition to the application, which they say will lead to a huge increase in anti-social behaviour, vermin, litter, road damage, pollution and noise.

Simone Illger, chair of NARA, said: “The premises are opposite an existing convenience store, which is licensed to sell alcohol until 11pm Monday to Sunday.

“Customers visiting this store are often passengers dashing into the shop whilst drivers wait in their vehicles with engines running or blocking neighbouring driveway entrances.

“We are concerned that a second shop will add to this problem.”

NARA and the council won a battle with the University of Reading earlier this year against development of an additional 654 rooms at St Patrick’s Hall, Northcourt Avenue.

Their concerns included anti-social behaviour in the area surrounding the student halls, with more than a hundred complaints sent to the university, police and council in a 15-month period.

No objections were submitted by Reading Borough Council (RBC) and Thames Valley Police’s licensing teams.

The council’s licensing team will decide on whether to approve the application on Thursday (July 4).