A BUSINESSMAN attracting criticism for planning to change his card shop into a takeaway, has reassured residents that it won't cause problems in the neighbourhood.

Convenience store owner John Quayyam insists turning 'Occasions' into a 'high quality food outlet' won't lead to increased noise, litter and late-night gatherings of youths and is asking protesters to keep an open mind.

"The DVD, video, cards and gifts part of my business isn't working anymore and I must take steps to remedy this," said John, aged 40.

"I've been approached by someone wanting to set up a high quality food outlet selling Mediterranean and sub-Continent foods for takeaway and delivery.

"It will not have the litter problems of a traditional takeaway and will not be selling 'low value goods' such as bags of chips which will attract teenagers to hang around."

Mr Quayyam, who has been there for 17 years, added: "I have always tried to be sympathetic to the environment and the community in which I operate my business and can assure you this will continue."

A fortnight ago, concerned residents from nearby Ashbourne Avenue said takeaways and fast food outlets were the last things their quiet neighbourhood needed.

They also accused Halton Council of double standards, claiming that by considering applications such as Mr Quayyam's while strongly pushing the healthy living message, council policy was hypocritical.

A council spokesman said that all planning applications had to be considered on their 'individual merits', fit the Local Development plan and 'the Council's wider agenda for improving the well-being of the Borough's residents'.

He added: "The number of takeaway facilities considered appropriate in any one location will depend on the size of the local centre and the characteristics of the area."