A community action group hopes to scupper plans by a major retailer to open up a new liquor store in their village.

The board of the Flatts Village Development Committee is urging all residents to oppose plans by the Burrows Lightbourn company to set up the store on North Shore in the former Four Star Pizza premises.

The company currently has a store further along the same road but has been ordered to move out of the property by the end of the month by new owners.

But residents were shocked to learn that the company has now applied to transfer its licence to a neighbouring property.

The committee has already submitted its own objection to the Liquor Licensing Authority, claiming that the store has "contributed to the deterioration of the village''.

"Residents have complained bitterly about the disorderly conduct of some patrons who use the private parking area and the dock on the opposite side of the road as a gathering place,'' the objection continued.

"Numerous complaints have been made to the Police regarding excess noise and profanity.'' Other concerns that the committee lodged were the growing number of drunks loitering in the village and an increase in litter -- including beer bottles and cans.

Last night Flatts Village Development Committee chairman Toppy Cowen said: "Since its inception in November 1997 the Flatts Village Development Committee has been made aware of the very serious concerns that village residents and business operators have with the effects of alcohol consumption in the streets and parking lots of Flatts.

"As a result of our continuing work on enhancements and traffic calming we feel strongly about the issue of a liquor store remaining in Flatts village.

"There is a fully licensed restaurant already operating in Flatts so that anyone wishing to drink may do so at the Halfway House.

"For the convenience of residents of the surrounding parishes, liquor may be purchased from Lindo's grocery store, Harrington Hundreds grocery store, the MarketPlace at Shelly Bay and Collector's Hill MarketPlace.

"The members of the Flatts Development Committee will contact every business owner and resident in the area to encourage them to lodge an objection.

"Incidentally, the Liquor Licence notice states that `residents in the parish may also object'. With this in mind we urge anyone living in either Smith's or Hamilton Parish to seriously consider the consequences for Flatts Village.'' Last night the manager of Burrows Lightbourn, Richard Hartley, could not be contacted to discuss the issue while the Flatts branch manager refused to comment.

W.A. (Toppy) Cowen