Plans by a supermarket chain to extend opening hours for its new store opening in Royston have come under fire from councillors.

Tesco is planning to open a new Express convenience store in a new building currently being constructed in Market Hill, Royston.

When planning permission was granted for the building, opening hours were restricted to 8am-9pm, but Tesco is seeking to have these extended to 7am-11pm Monday-Saturday, and 8am-9pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

However, members of Royston Town Council’s planning committee voiced their opposition to any change to the permitted hours.

Speaking at a meeting on Monday, Cllr F John Smith said: “I don’t think I agree that this store should be open every day of the week, especially when Tesco already has another store in the town which is open all night.”

Planning officers from North Herts District Council have recommended the change of hours be rejected, and Cllr Smith added: “I am with the district council on this one, things should be left as they are.”

Cllr Jon Davison added: “This is the fifth or sixth planning application relating to this shop, and I suspect it won’t be the last.”

An opening date has yet to be announced for the store, which is set to create 20 jobs.