Residents living in the shadow of a major new superstore have slammed plans for a 24-hour booze licence.

Tesco have asked for permission to sell alcohol open round-the-clock at the complex, which is currently being built off New Road, West Durrington, Worthing.

The smaller store it is replacing, situated just 100m to the east and still trading, has permission to sell wines, beers and spirits 24 hours a day only in the three week run up to Christmas and one week after.

At other times, it can only do so between 6am and midnight Monday-Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

But now the retail giant wants the licence to cover the entire year despite concerns about antisocial behaviour in the area.

Clive Hagger, whose home in Canberra Road is just yards from the new store, said: “This is a new one on us.

“We haven't heard anything about it. I wouldn't be very happy about it at all. I don't think any of the residents would be.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “This premises, unlike other stores which have the benefit of 24 hour alcohol sales, is not an out-of-town centre.

“It is situated within a residential area which does have some problems associated with antisocial behaviour by local youths.

“Twenty-four hour licensing therefore does have the potential to impact on the prevention of public nuisance.”

Borough councillors will consider the application on Wednesday, January 27.

A spokesman for Tesco was unable to comment when The Argus went to press.