CIVIC officials have hit out at an application from a Boscombe chippy to allow the late night sale of booze.

Ward councillors for Boscombe West say they're concerned about another outlet in the area selling alcohol and would likely object to the move in principle.

Merryweathers fish and chips has applied to Bournemouth council for a licence to sell alcohol, for the consumption on and off the premises.

The fish and chip restaurant, in Christchurch Road, is currently under refurbishment. The applicant, Samet Murat Aksoy, was unavailable for comment.

Boscombe West ward councillor Philip Stanley-Watts told the Daily Echo: "I think it is a step too far, it is just another alcohol outlet - there are far too many within the area already. Enough is enough."

Councillor Stanley-Watts said he is now considering making representations at council against the proposal.

Meanwhile, fellow ward councillor Jane Kelly said: "I haven't looked in detail at this application yet but I have in the past objected to new licensing applications within Boscombe.

"I would have to look at it in more detail but in principle I am not in favour of further opportunities to purchase alcohol."

Councillor Kelly also pointed out the fish and chip shop is within the designated Cumulative Impact Area (CIA), and that alone is reason enough to argue against a licence to sell alcohol.

A CIA is an area that, due to the saturation of licensed premises, has been identified as experiencing disproportionate levels of crime and disorder, compared to the rest of the conurbation.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: "I think it is going to be more of a restaurant-type place, rather than simply a fish and chip shop. It is opposite a bar and next to another restaurant, so I can see why they're applying for a licence.

"But we do get problems this end of town with street drinking."

Merryweathers' opening hours listed on the licence application are Sunday to Thursday, 11am-10pm, and Friday and Saturday, 11am-11pm.