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Garage to bring in staff to cut trouble
A garage operator is to draft in extra staff at a controversial service station which neighbours have compared to a trouble-hit nightclub.
Householders in Dunelm, Barnes, say they are suffering sleepless nights because of antisocial behaviour at the nearby Total garage.
They claim that its 24-hour alcohol licence and opening times attract scores of drunks from across the city.
Residents say they are plagued by drink-fuelled scuffles, noise and litter.
This week, the Echo revealed that bouncers could be called in to man the doors during peak hours.
And today Total confirmed that it was reviewing staffing levels at the garage.
A spokesman said: "Total can confirm it is considering additional personnel resources at its Durham Road service station in Sunderland as a result of consultation with residents and the Sunderland environmental health officer."
Meanwhile, campaigners are collecting a petition calling for the garage's licensing hours to be slashed.
One told the Echo: "At the moment they close the doors at about 10pm and serve through the hatch, but they are saying they are going to open the doors and serve people inside but have bouncers on the doors.
"I can't believe they're bringing in bouncers – it really is like the Blue Monkey club in Sunderland."
Other people said they doubted whether the move to introduce door staff would offer a long-term solution to the problems. They wanted the garage's licence to sell alcohol to be revoked.
Sunderland City Council has been made aware of the problems. Discussions are taking place with all the interested parties to secure a solution.
Northumbria Police has also been made aware of the claims and is advising residents who have concerns to contact their neighbourhood teams and, where appropriate, to keep a diary of incidents so that they can gather evidence about disturbances occurring in and around the garage.
Total previously told the Echo that it was working with residents, the council and the police to allay residents' concerns and has introduced restricted trading times during the night and posters to encourage people to be respectful to residents.
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Weather for Sunderland
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
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