NEIGHBOURS are celebrating a victory after their local authority rejected plans for a store selling booze on their doorstep. Shopkeeper Juber Alam was hoping to get the go-ahead to sell booze at his store in Watney Street Market, but his application was thrown out

NEIGHBOURS are celebrating a victory after their local authority rejected plans for a store selling booze on their doorstep.

Shopkeeper Juber Alam was hoping to get the go-ahead at his Express Mart in Shadwell's Watney Street Market in London's East End.

But Tower Hamlets council was inundated with petitions from nearby residents who feared another off-licence in the area could trigger a rise in under-age drinking and yob behaviour on the streets.

The Asian Muslim Cultural Association in Shadwell wrote to the Town Hall protesting that a liquor licence could cause Muslim youngsters who are forbiden alcohol to turn to drink.

Mr Alam insisted he would have CCTV and trained staff in the shop to keep the premises secure.

But the council's licensing sub committee this week rejected his application.