Rainham Post Office will be able to sell alcohol to help boost its sales.

Owner Tarsame Singh applied to Havering Council to include alcohol in the shop, in Wennington Road, which is also a convenience store.

The application, which was heard today (Friday) by the licensing sub-committee, was approved, but with reduced hours for the sale of alcohol and with conditions.

Paul West, an agent speaking on behalf of Mr Singh, said: “He seeks to add the sale of alcohol so he can compete on a level playing field with other shops in the area in a time of economic hardship especially with Tesco supermarket, with 24-hours’ availability.”

He added: “As a community store we seek to work with the neighbours not against them. It would be financial suicide not to. We will do all we can so neighbours’ quality of life is not affected.”

Objector Mark Appleby, who lives near the post office, said: “

“It’s already difficult to park most days because of users to the shop and post office. We experience a lot of parking on the wrong side of the road.

“This will become worse because of the extent of trading hours and the level of business.

“Young people will gather outside the shop and cause a nuisance. If the groups are moved on they will outside people’s houses. I believe this will be threatening to young families and the elderly.”

During the meeting Mr West suggested instead of serving alcohol from 6am to 10pm, as proposed, to stop at 8pm instead after hearing neighbours’ views.

Mark Appleby said: “The change of hours will help the situation, but we still believe the sale of alcohol will have a negative knock-on effect on the residents.”

Cllr Paul Gardner, chair of the committee, said: “His desire to work with residents will help limit disturbance and demonstrate his good will.”

The committee agreed to allow the sale of alcohol from 8am to 8pm from Monday to Saturday, and until 4pm on Sundays.

His agent Paul West said after the meeting: “It is a small store and the additional ancillary of alcohol helps to bring it up. At the moment he is losing customers to other stores where they can buy alcohol and their groceries together.”