SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has delighted residents by withdrawing applications to serve alcohol around the clock in two Express stores.

Tesco had applied for 24-hour licences for its stores at the Triangle and in Charminster Road but has changed its mind following objections from councilors, residents and businesses.

Conservative Cllr Mike Greene, who represents the town centre, said he was “delighted that someone appeared to have seen sense.”

He had objected to the application on the grounds it would exacerbate late night noise and disturbance and could cause an increase in crime.

“With everything that we’re doing for the Triangle area and improving it for everyone, it would be a real retrogade step to allow Tesco to sell alcohol 24 hours a day,” he said.

“The bars and clubs up there are well managed and people who attend them are well behaved but there are a few who will come out and want to hang around.

“The last thing we should do is encourage that by giving them the opportunity to buy alcohol at any time.”

And Liberal Democrat Cllr Carol Ainge, who represents Charminster, said: “I’m absolutely delighted. We went to a lot of trouble to make Charminster the subject of a Designated Public Place Order (DPPO), why would we want to undo that good work by giving Tesco a licence to sell alcohol 24 hours a day?

“It wasn’t an acceptable request – the residents deserve to have some peace and quiet once all the bars and clubs are shut.”

A Tesco spokesperson said: “After listening to the representations made, we have decided to withdraw the application.”