A CONTROVERSIAL application to allow a petrol station to sell alcohol has been dropped at the last minute amid opposition from local people.

The Total UK filling station, in Grange Road, Darlington, had applied for a licence to trade alcohol between 6am and 11pm every day, which was due to be discussed at Darlington Borough Council’s licensing committee tomorrow. (Wednesday, December 19).

However, solicitors working on behalf of the company have contacted the council asking them to withdraw the application.

Residents living in the area had started a petition to stop the proposals, which they believed could lead to drink-driving, cause road accidents, and encourage underage drinking.

Total had denied the claims.

Councillor Heather Scott, who had led the campaign against the application with Councillor Cyndi Hughes, said: “I’m very pleased that the application has been withdrawn because it had claimed that there is no link between alcohol sales and anti-social behaviour.

“We know that this is not true, so I’m very pleased for the residents. Hopefully that will be the end of it.”