THE OWNER of a late-night convenience store says he needs to stay open until midnight in case anyone needs emergency milk.

But residents fear the store will worsen the anti-social behaviour in the area.

The convenience store will be open from 6am to midnight, every day of the week, and will be allowed to sell alcohol every day until 11pm.

The applicant, Anton Croos, originally wanted to sell alcohol until midnight every day, but after four separate objections from local residents in Wednesday’s licensing meeting a reduction of an hour was made.

Carmen Pearcy was worried about unsociable behaviour, noise, people damaging cars, and drugs being sold at the back of the shops.

READ MORE: Gang fears over plans for late-night convenience store in Southampton

Before permission was given, the store was vacant but it used to be a card shop.

Some residents are convinced the sale of alcohol will lead to more antisocial behaviour outside the shop.

Another objector added: “There were problems in the card shop and they were selling cards and cakes.

“The alcohol licence is of a huge concern.

“Young adults pass through from one pub to another and throw glass all over the pavements.”

Mr Croos said that he will install CCTV and would be prepared to have security outside.

If bottles are smashed on the ground outside he would be willing to ‘do the cleaning (himself)," he said.

He also defended the late-night hours by claiming the reason behind the midnight closure request was in case anybody in the neighbourhood needed "emergency milk".

After being granted a licence, the new convenience store can now open.