IT has always been associated with fun pursuits that help its young members to get the most out of life.

But Girl Guiding UK is today at the centre of a bitter row after submitting an application for an all-day alcohol licence at its Hampshire activities centre.

The 65-acre Foxlease estate in Lyndhurst is used by business and leisure visitors as well as Girl Guides.

It is currently only allowed to sell liquor three evenings a week, but Girl Guiding UK has applied for consent to serve alcohol between 10am and 11pm seven days a week.

Centre manager Glen Duclos is also seeking permission to stage plays, films, live music and concerts between the same times.

Foxlease is presently only permitted to hold three live music events each year, plus three recorded music events and four performances of a play.

People living nearby fear a new licence would lead to an unacceptable increase in noise, light pollution and traffic.

One couple have instructed Moore Blatch solicitors to object on their behalf.

In a hard-hitting letter to New Forest District Council the firm says noise levels have already reached “unacceptable levels” in the past.

It adds “Our clients are also naturally concerned about the general impact that a very liberal approach to alcohol will have, given the obvious risks that this will create with regards to local crime and possibly violence in the area.”

But Mr Duclos has defended the application.

In documents submitted to the council he says: “Our core values are about giving girls and young women a space where they can be themselves, have fun, build brilliant friendships, gain valuable life skills and make a positive difference to their lives.

“To enable us to support this very important work we have to open our centre to other groups.

“We need the ability to be more flexible and attract other business, and therefore need to vary our licence to enable that to happen.”

Mr Duclos says a strict Challenge 25 policy is implemented at Foxlease to protect youngsters.

He adds: “We do not encourage the consumption of alcohol in front of young people.

The bar is locked when not in use. All staff are trained to monitor and ensure no proxy sale of liquor.”

The council’s licensing subcommittee is due to decide the application on July 19.