Inside estate where '24/7 shops' are popping up out of nowhere (original) (raw)

Residents have raised concerns about the opening of '24/7 shops' in parts of a Black Country borough. The style of shops are reportedly opening in Walsall.

A community group said they fear the shops could cause disruptions to the local area, including increased noise and lighting pollution alongside footfall and traffic.

The group said: "(This) could cause disruption to locals and anti-social-behaviour and loitering." One resident claimed there had been "no consultation" in the build-up to opening the shops.

READ MORE: 'Forgotten' part of Midlands which is now cheapest place to buy a home

Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join

Dina Patel 39, a medical secretary, said: "I'm a local resident to Pleck and I attended the local school. I lived here since I was five years old. I see a local 24/7 shop, but there’s been no consultation as expected. If there has, it’s been kept quiet.

"I live very close, and this is no doubt a residential area which needs convenience stores - however, not a 24/7 store." Ms Patel said there were already concerns about "groups loitering" alongside drug dealing and drug taking, prostitution and cars causing anti-social-behaviour.

In response to the story, a spokesperson for Walsall Council said: "The community safety team proactively work to address anti-social behaviour concerns in the borough and would investigate any specific concerns of illicit behaviour."

Story Saved

You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.