A takeaway's application to be given extended opening hours has been rejected, after police said the shop generates crime and anti-social behaviour.

Kebab Express in Railway Street, Chatham, submitted the bid because much of its business was lost when the nearby Tap n Tin pub changed its opening hours.

It currently closes at midnight on Mondays, but wanted to extend this until 4am to boost takings.

This was rejected by the council’s licensing committee at a meeting yesterday (Tuesday)

Ch Supt Neil Jerome, pictured right, wrote to the committee objecting to the proposal.

He said: "It has been operating for a period of time and is a generator for crime and anti-social behaviour due to the behaviour of its customers and the inability of the premises’ licence holder to control the behaviour of his customers."

Applicant Haroon Mohammed said the shop’s "entire livelihood" was dependent on the trade it gets from clubbers.

It supports two families and employs three people, he said.

Mr Mohammed added there had been "minimal" trouble at the shop since it opened 13 years ago.

He said: "There has been very little violence as far as we’re concerned".

A petition with 10 signatures from customers supporting the proposal was handed in to the council.