An off-licence will sell alcohol, 9am to 11pm, seven days a week – just metres away from a centre that teaches children and teenagers the dangers of excess drinking.

Community workers at the Crosslinks centre, in Sheridan Road, Buckland, say they are devastated.

They fear hard work to deter people from binge drinking could be undone. Youth leader Becky Meredith said: “Life is hard for a lot of young people – there are children who have to put up with people who misuse alcohol.

“This club is a safe, calm and happy place.”

The licence was granted by the district council despite about 60 children making speeches to the licensing committee at the council chambers last month.

The young people of the centre also drew up a petition, signed by 80 club members.

The licensing was going to be granted for 6am to 11pm but Crosslinks managed to delay it.

The change is to avoid the morning school run, but Ms Meredith does not think it will make a difference.

She said: “We came into work about a month ago and there was a sign in the window next door for an off-licence allocation.

“We got about 80 signatures in three days, of parents and young people.”

Crosslinks provides a range of community activities, services and resources for people of all ages and is made up of youth workers and volunteers.

It incorporates the Christian faith along with services to benefit local people.

Objections to the off-licence have been written on a whiteboard in its building, encouraging more people to sign up against it.

Ms Meredith said: “I feel that if we have a shop open from 9am to 11pm people that need to get drink will do so

.'I feel that if we have a shop open from 9am to 11pm people that need to get drink will do so.'- Becky Meredith

“I am worried it will make the estate worse for the area.

“There is a play park, community centre and a basketball court.

“I cannot understand why they would put that in a community area.

“Everyone is working so hard to improve the estate.”

The off-licence, under construction, will occupy two shops out of three that are empty.

See the full report on the front page of this week's Dover Mercury, out now.