EARLIER this year the local press was full of stories about youngsters in their early teens apparently staggering around drunk. So the last thing you would think would be needed is another outlet selling alcohol.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry. A well-known off-licence chain is seeking permission to open a store on the High Street by the old police station.

I did a quick count on the number of establishments besides public houses selling intoxicants and arrived at an approximate figure of more than 20. Do we need another one?

There was only one in Over when I was a teenager to my knowledge and that was near the Bulls Head. Could there be a link between these hordes of young drunkards and the number of liquor outlets on our streets? I think we should be told.

And the name of the proposed emporium - Bargain Booze. I am filled with despair.

The very title is nothing but cheap, tawdry and vulgar. The authorities should refuse permission on the grounds of taste alone.

While primary schools are investing heavily in the literacy hour this year, we may have this abominable example of the cheapening of the language of Chaucer, Shakespeare and Dickens on our High Street.

This scheme should be consigned forthwith to one of the new wheelie bins we are now using. I would like to hear the views of councillors and church leaders.

Interested of Over.

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