MORE than 40 residents have signed a petition in protest to Sainsbury’s plans to sell booze late into the night at its new Colne supermarket.

Sainsbury’s has applied for permission to sell alcohol at the under-construction store in Norfolk Street from 6am to midnight, seven days a week, when it opens later this summer.

The supermarket giant also wants permission to open 24 hours a day.

A total of 42 residents near the store in the town’s North Valley have signed a petition against the plans.

If permission is granted, they fear it could lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Coun Ann Kerrigan is leading the protests and has also written to Pendle licensing team, outlining residents’ concerns.

Police have not raised any objections to the plans.

Councillors on the borough’s licensing committee will discuss the supermarket’s application when they meet at Nelson Town Hall on Friday at 10.30am.