IT WAS described as “the wrong store in the wrong place” by outraged residents.

But councillors will soon decide whether Tesco’s latest express store in Southampton has permission to sell alcohol.

The supermarket giant has applied to the city council for a premises licence for its new store at 1-5 Thornhill Park Road.

If councillors approve the licence at a hearing today, the store will be able to sell alcohol from 6am to 11pm, seven days a week.

As revealed by the Daily Echo earlier this year, Tesco unveiled plans to locate its 17th express store. The firm has already won permission from the council to carry out works at the site including the installation of an ATM, freezers, refrigeration units and a new shop front, and work is at an advanced stage.

The move provoked outrage among some residents, who say the store may cause other independent businesses in the area to close, while also adding to traffic problems outside the store.

One letter of objection has been lodged against the licence application, with one resident saying it will “draw unwelcome attention and increased footfall at unsociable hours to a primarily residential area.”

The letter also raises concerns that it may lead to an increase in antisocial behaviour.