Greggs has scrapped plans for a 24-hour licence at one of its Kent branches after fears were raised it could lead to a rise in anti-social behaviour.

The bakery giant revealed its intention to provide a round-the-clock service at its Canterbury city centre site last summer - in what would have been a UK first.

But KentOnline can reveal the company has ditched the bid.

The decision has been welcomed by those who believe St George’s Street - where McDonald’s, next door to Greggs, is open already open all hours - can be “intimidating” at night.

Westgate ward representative Pip Hazelton told KentOnline: “I was opposed to the application when it came forward.

“I suppose my concern is up the top end of St George’s Street there’s been a history of anti-social behaviour, of groups gathering and those kinds of things.

“The litter, the noise, even relatively small groups of people hanging about - that can be intimidating for other people.”

The Labour councillor also argues that another 24-hour fast food joint isn’t needed, especially given concerns over late-night delivery riders revving engines causing a nuisance in the city centre.

“I’m not convinced that we need 24/7 access to fast food,” she said.

“It feels like the balance of what is available currently is sufficient for the demand.

“So I’m broadly just pleased that it’s not coming to Canterbury high street.”

When Greggs lodged its bid with Canterbury City Council in August to open 24 hours a day, some residents welcome the move.

Amanda Skinner, 44, told KentOnline: “I think it would be great if Canterbury became a bit more of a 24-hour city.”

Labour councillor Mel Dawkins also welcomed the proposals at the time, saying: “I’m certainly happy to have more nightlife economy and, of course, McDonald’s is already 24-hour.”

Police had no objection to the plans - as long as it functioned only as a takeaway during late-night hours, and had two security guards working from 11pm-5am.

However, Greggs has since confirmed it has withdrawn its application, although it would not reveal why when asked by KentOnline.

A spokesperson said: “We continue to look at opportunities to extend the opening hours of our shops.

“Customers can enjoy our full range of great value and fantastic quality products from our shop at St George’s Street, Canterbury, from 6am through to 8.30pm.”

The Greggs drive-thru in Sittingbourne currently has the latest opening hours of its Kent shops, closing at 10pm.

The company had previously attempted to get a licence for its Leicester Square branch to operate 24 hours, but was snubbed by Westminster City Council.

It prompted a legal battle between the two, with Greggs vowing to install security cameras and bouncers in order to get the go-ahead.

However, that came to an end in May last year when council bosses and business leaders agreed a deal allowing the London-based store to stay open until at least midnight seven days a week.

A city council spokesman said: “We can confirm the application was withdrawn but it would not be appropriate for us to speak on the company’s behalf as to why.”