Police's 'rare objection' to Bridgend hub's alcohol plan

South Wales Police say the application for an alcohol licence at the community building would have a "detrimental impact" on key services like the library

Plans to sell alcohol at a community hub in Bridgend county would have a "negative impact" on the village, police have said.

A community group wants a licence to sell alcohol at the Bettws Life Centre - which has a library, hall and cafe - from noon until midnight every day.

But South Wales Police has concerns about underage drinking and bottles being used as "weapons".

Bridgend council adjourned its decision during a meeting application on Monday.

NSA Afan Community Group - a charity which has taken over the running of the centre in the village of Bettws - said it wants to use it as a "community facility" including hiring it out for birthday parties, training and sporting events.

They have applied for a licence for alcohol, live music, dance, boxing and wrestling as well as some aspects of adult entertainment at the venue.

But South Wales Police said it had taken the "rare stance" to ask for the licence to be rejected due to its "negative impact on the family-orientated building".

In a written objection, the force said the area was close to schools and a known anti-social hotspot where children hang out.

There were also no measures in place to stop drinkers carrying alcohol from the function room into the library.

NSA Afan Community Group have been asked to comment.