A CONTROVERSIAL application to sell alcohol at a grocery store near to a Barton and Tredworth mosque has been withdrawn.

Residents had collected a 150-name petition against Mohammed Moynul Islam's application for a license to sell drink from Bangla Bazaar in Ryecroft Street and last night he withdrew the application.

It was set to be discussed in a special meeting of the city council's licensing sub-committee but when a number of concerned residents arrived they were told Mr Islam's application had been withdrawn and the meeting was cancelled.

People living in the area had urged councillors to reject the plans.

In a group e-mail to licensing officers at the council they said: "Whilst Bangla Bazaar is a seemingly honourable shop retailer and employer, it cannot manage the problems that will emanate from the sale of alcohol."

Representatives of Gloucester Muslim Welfare Association also suggested that the shop's proximity to the mosque would cause problems for the Muslim community.