A shopkeeper who petitioned against a fourth off-licence opening in an area plagued by street drinking has branded a decision to grant it a license "ridiculous". 

Off-licences in Snakes Lane East, near Woodford Tube station campaigned against the new shop, claiming it could cause tension between traders, reduce revenue and increase crime. 

A petition launched by Costccutter, Resul's Food & Wine and Jubilee News was backed by 120 shoppers and the neighbourhood police team opposed the licence application.

But Redbridge council approved the application by Riesutelis Limited to sell alcohol from the former Glassworks store at Tuesday's licensing committee. 

The original application to sell alcohol from 11am to 11pm, seven days a week, was amended to 10pm and was approved on the grounds it met several conditions. 

These are that staff are not allowed to stock or sell beer or lager above with above 6.5 per cent alcohol, the shop must keep a log of all crime-related incidents, the business must check identification of anyone who looks 25 or under and must not sell alcohol to anyone who appears to be drunk.

Shailesh Patel, manager of Costcutter, said he believes work to reduce offending in the area will be undone by the decision to grant the licence.

"Even after the petition which clearly showed it is not wanted by shoppers, the council have approved it. It is ridiculous,” he said. 

"Shopkeepers are going to suffer because of the increased competition.

"There is no need for a fourth off-licence. 

"We have all been working hard to help reduce crime in the area and now there is a good chance it will increase."

Bridge ward police safer neighbourhood team, which called for the application to be rejected, says tackling begging and street drinking has become a priority.

A council spokesman, said: "The committee felt the applicant had agreed to strict conditions to prevent problems in the area and was determined to operate the premises properly and promote the licensing objectives which are the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance, public safety and the protection of children from harm."