OIL giant Esso has backed off from its plans to sell alcohol 24-hours a day at its service station in Romsey's Greatbridge Road - but the opposition to any sale of alcohol there looks set to continue.

An application had been lodged with Test Valley Borough Council for round-the-clock alcohol sales at the Esso Garage by ROC UK.

It sparked a storm of protest and it was revealed this week that the application had been withdrawn and replaced by one for 6am to midnight.

But Romsey councillor Sally Lamb, who led the opposition to the 24-hour application, said this week that there was considerable opposition from neighbouring residents and businesses to the sale of any alcohol at the garage.

She explained: "I have received a lot of e-mails and calls regarding this licence. All the people who have contacted me object to the garage selling alcohol at any time.

"I have had a lot of objections from residents and businesses in the area and because of all the information I have received, regarding anti-social behaviour, vandalism, criminal damage and late night disturbances, I believe we should continue to object to this site selling alcohol altogether".

"For every person who has contacted me there will be another 10 or 20 residents who feel the same but are unable to contact me."

Any objections have to be submitted by July 6 and Mrs Lamb can be contacted on 01794 501372 or by e-mail sally.lamb@ntlworld.com The service station is closed at present and is being redeveloped and upgraded into one of Esso's On the Run' café-garages selling hot and cold food and drink in addition to fuel and other goods.