Fears B&M plans may ‘reverse’ positive changes in Birmingham high street
Plans put forward by a popular store chain have sparked fears they may “reverse” progress on tackling yob behaviour in a Birmingham high street.
The B&M store at 60-88 High Street in Erdington is seeking permission to extend its hours for the sale of alcohol, for consumption off the premises, from 7am until 11pm daily.
But objections to the proposals were received by the city council amid concern the change could undo work to improve the area through a police crackdown.
West Midlands Police launched Operation Fearless earlier this year in Erdington in a bid to tackle crime, backed by £880,000 from Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster.
The force said the funding, sourced from money seized from criminals, had been instrumental in transforming the area, adding residents reported feeling much safer due to increased police presence and enforcement activity.
One objection to B&M’s plans argued Erdington “already has a significant number of stores along the high street” that sold alcohol.
“In addition to these stores, there are also two public houses in the vicinity,” it said. “We have a dedicated task force, Operation Fearless, which has been set up specifically to tackle anti-social behaviour on the high street.
“The efforts to improve the high street have recently begun to bear fruit, transforming it into a more family-friendly shopping area.”
It continued: “Allowing B&M to extend their alcohol sale hours would, in my opinion, reverse these positive changes and potentially lead us back to the days when the area felt unsafe and intimidating.”
A second objection added: “I strongly object to sales of alcohol on the high street, which has a high street drinking issue we are trying to get under control.”
B&M’s proposals will be considered at a licensing-sub committee next Monday, June 16.
