A licensing application for a Coalville truck stop have been granted - despite fears that the prospect of drink driving could create 'serious problems'.

Bardon Truck Park made a new licence application for the sale of alcohol - and to enable it to compete with other similar businesses.

It was debated by North West Leicestershire's licensing sub-committee on Monday.

In what was described as a 'modest' application, Brett Parker, the director of Bardon Truck Stop, asked for a licence from noon to 10pm.

But Cllr Keith Merrie, of Ellistown and Battleflat Parish Council, said he was concerned by the actions of some of the truck drivers using the site.

He said: "There are many road traffic safety infringements by trucks arriving and leaving, I'm concerned that if alcohol is added to the mix then it could cause serious problems.

"That's not the responsibility of the applicant, but it all adds to it."

But this was challenged by Mr Parker's licensing agent, Andy Newman who said no CCTV evidence had been submitted to back this up.

Mr Newman set out the measures in place to make sure the licensing agreement would be adhered to.

He said: "The haulage industry operates every day. So what's behind this premises asking for a licence?

"Times have moved on from days when drivers had a Portakabin for breaks.

"Now there's a drive for proper services

"Bardon intends to compete on a fair level with other truck stops

"By having a licence, drivers will be better provided for.

"The advantages to being in the truck park means it's a safer area.

"There have been no representations from any of the statuary authorities, which means that they do not believe the licensing objectives will be undermined by the granting of this application.

"I don't believe we've seen any evidence of that.

"Our submission does not present any issues. If it isn't granted, drivers would go to other truck stops, we respectfully request it should be supported."

Mr Newman added: "Drivers' details are taken, along with how long they're staying for.

"There'll be visual check for anything suspicious, and there's CCTV.

"There is authorised security on site, they have the power to effectively close them down. There are a number of checks."

Cllr Merrie also pointed out that the site had not yet had a planning application granted - but was told this was not relevant to this matter.

The sub-committee felt that the lack of CCTV to back up Cllr Merrie's fears about drink-driving, could not be used as evidence as it was speculation.

Committee members also felt that the safety measures in place were adequate and that the lack of representation from the police supported this.

But Mr Parker was told that staff training records must be maintained and that CCTV recordings should be of evidential quality, with date and time, and can be made available for inspection.