A potential alcohol licence at a train station store has raised concerns with local authorities regarding football fans, anti-social behaviour and littering.

A new Co-op is set to open in the former ticket office at Ipswich Railway Station.

In July, the shop sent an application for a premises licence to enable the sale of alcohol on and off the premises.

This has raised concerns with the Suffolk Constabulary and residents in the area that live near the station.

Suffolk Constabulary stated they were not against the application, but have concerns about the sale of alcohol, particularly during home and away Ipswich Town games.

They said they are concerned with the "amount of alcohol that could be purchased by away supporters and home supporters".

Ipswich Railway StationIpswich Railway Station (Image: Newsquest)

"This will lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour and crime particularly violent crime occurring in what are already tense and emotive situations."

There were concerns that should away fans purchase alcohol from the station, they would not be allowed into the Station Hotel Pub, the dedicated away fan pub, and will therefore be wandering the streets of Ipswich drinking from cans of alcohol.

They have requested that, if the application is approved, conditions are applied that on the days Town play, whether it be home or away, sales of alcohol will be restricted to four cans or bottles or a single litre bottle per customer.

21 residents signed a petition to not grant the application on a number of grounds.

Amongst these were that alcohol consumption can increase litter and waste, which would lead to the deterioration of the station, public disorder and safety concerns during peak hours.

The petition states: "We believe that maintaining a safe, clean, and orderly environment in our train stations is crucial for the well-being of all passengers and the broader community.

"We strongly urge the Licensing Authority to refuse the application for an alcohol licence at Ipswich Train Station."