NOISE and disturbance will become “unbearable” for villagers if a local supermarket is allowed to extend its hours, it has been claimed.

Sainsbury’s wants to extend its alcohol licence at its Haxby branch around Christmas and Easter, allowing it to sell drink from 6am to midnight instead of 7am to 11pm.

But Haxby Town Council has objected, describing it as “unreasonable and totally unacceptable” and saying it would harm the local community. Their concerns are backed by a local councillor who fears an increase in drunken behaviour in nearby streets.

Sainsbury’s application will be considered by City of York Council on Thursday and seeks extended hours for the two weeks leading up to Christmas Day and the week afterwards, as well as the weeks preceding and following Easter.

Town council clerk Mark Scott said in a letter to the city council: “Any increase to alcohol licensing hours will only cause a big increase in noise from shoppers and their cars and will further reduce the quality of life of nearby residents - the situation will become unbearable.”

Haxby and Wigginton councillor Ian Cuthbertson said in an email to licensing officers that approving Sainsbury’s application would mean it could sell alcohol later than other village shops, which could then “become the norm” in Haxby. Five other objections have also been sent to the council.

In a report which will go before the council’s licensing hearing, licensing manager Lesley Cooke said Sainsbury’s had promised to have a CCTV system operating at all times, covering the main entrance and the area where alcohol is on sale, and would provide the necessary staff and security workers.

It would also have an age-checking policy and put up signs asking customers to respect local residents and not make too much noise.