THE manager of a controversial shop which lost its licence to sell alcohol says business is down but it has made no difference to anti-social behaviour in the vicinity.

Sedgemoor District Council agreed to revoke Mehmet Yildirim's licence to sell alcohol from the International Food Centre in Binford Place, Bridgwater in October, following presentations from the police.

But Mr Yildirim said: "Business is down and it is not good. But the anti-social behaviour is still the same, every night there are problems here.

"You still have drunk people in Blake Gardens and I see youngsters who must be 15, 16, 17 drinking cider and smoking.

"I said at the time, this was not my fault. They have stopped me selling alcohol, my business is down but the problem still exists."

However other nearby businesses say they have noticed a positive effect since the license was revoked, but say this could be down to a variety of factors.

Adrian Fisher from The Bridge Cafe said: "Things do seem to be a bit better but its really too early to say. The weather could be a big factor at the moment but it has been better.

"Fights outside are rare now, whereas they used to be regular. We do not have as many drunks here as before but you do see the same sort of problems on the other side of the bridge, outside the new Parrett Restaurant.

"I think the improvement has more to do with the weather and increased police presence than the licensing issue. People in the restaurant do comment on seeing more bobbies on the beat."

Mr Fisher said the recent high tides had highlighted the litter problem, as he said he had witnessed drunks throwing cans over their shoulders onto the banks and into the river, despite having a bin nearby.

The litter has now washed up on a bank close to the bridge.

Jason Kirk from Burgers By The Bridge said the situation did seem to be better.

"It is good because it was a bad advert for the town centre when they were on that bench in Binford Place all the time - I just hope they don't come back once the sun comes back out. It is a bit of a slow process but the police are doing a good job."