Opponents of a planned Morrisons shop have warned of a surge in anti-social behaviour if the supermarket is given a licence to sell alcohol from 6am to midnight.

The chain’s plans to convert the former Medway Queen pub in Churchill Avenue, Chatham, into one of its M local stores has drawn heavy opposition since it was revealed last year it has been in talks with owner Enterprise Inns.

The site was officially declared a “community asset” – but that did not stop the battle being lost when the owners called time and sold the lease to Morrisons.

Now the battleground has shifted to the supermarket’s licence application, set to be heard on Tuesday.

A letter signed by ward councillors Christine Godwin, Sam Craven and Tristan Osborne pressed home concerns that the licence would have a detrimental affect on the surrounding area.

They say the store would act as a “magnet for alcohol sales” and exacerbate existing high levels of anti-social behaviour.

The letter adds that alcohol sales could lead to “children and families witnessing very unpleasant sights”, continuing: “Unlike a public house, there is no control over whom or where any alcohol bought will be consumed.

“We believe it would be more appropriate for the licensee to consult with the community (which they have failed to do so far at any stage) and meanwhile withdraw the alcohol application to ensure that noted issues around anti-social behaviour do not arise.”

Morrisons’ application states staff will be trained in the “Challenge 25” scheme to ensure alcohol is not served to underage drinkers, and includes details of the store’s CCTV system, which would cover areas where alcohol is sold.

To coincide with the licence application, Morrisons has also submitted a planning application to Medway Council to convert the former pub.

The plans include a single-storey extension, installation of external refrigeration plant and air conditioning units, cash machine and flood lighting. A decision is due to be made on that application at the beginning of November.

The Medway Queen, in Street End Road, was declared a community asset in August 2013 when locals fought to save it from closure.

The pub was given a temporary licence by Enterprise Inns with a view to making it a long-term agreement if takings improved.

But in July this year, the brewery sold the lease to Morrisons, claiming attempts to improve trade and grant a permanent licence had failed.

If the plans go ahead, the store will be the first M local convenience store in Medway.