A VILLAGE deli will be allowed to sell alcohol but not as late as it wanted to after neighbours raised concerns about noise.

Delicatessen Checketts in Ombersley had its request for a late-night alcohol licence accepted by councillors but will only be allowed to sell until 8pm.

The deli had wanted to sell alcohol until 10.45pm throughout the week and on Saturdays.

Several neighbours said people leaving Checketts late at night would cause a public nuisance and the lack of parking could also cause problems as finding a space was already an issue and there is no street lighting in the village.

All of the objections said Checketts should only be allowed to sell alcohol until 6pm if permission was granted.

Checketts also had its plan to play sell alcohol until 5.45pm on Sundays accepted.

New owner Tim Hopkins had defended the plan saying he saved the previously struggling delicatessen from going out of business and wanted to be able to encourage more people to visit by offering wine alongside some of the local produce on sale.

"The aim of Checketts going forward is to make it a destination with all the parts of the business supporting each other," he said.

"It is something that will allow people to come and enjoy locally produced wine and have a plate of cured meat.

"It means more people can visit the business and make sure it can continue to thrive."

One objection from a neighbour said Ombersley had been able to stay alive whilst retaining its character as a rural village and its popularity relied on it staying that way.

In a letter to the council, Robert Pearce, chairman of the Diocese of Worcester parsonages committee, said Ombersley was usually quiet in the evenings and allowing music to be played and alcohol to be served would disrupt the village.