A BID for permission to serve alcohol until midnight at a new visitor centre close to Thomas Hardy’s birthplace has come under fire.

The visitor centre at Higher Bockhampton was developed by Dorset County Council and the National Trust and was opened in September.

The project, which benefited from Heritage Lottery funding, was designed to help visitors coming to the area learn about Hardy’s life and work and the surrounding countryside that inspired him.

As well as a space for schools and community groups, the centre also has a cafe and a licence application has now been submitted to West Dorset District Cou-ncil to serve alcohol at the centre from 9am to 11.59pm on Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 11.59pm on Sundays as well as until 2am on New Year’s Day.

The application also seeks permission to show films and the playing of live music.

A number of residents from Higher Bockhampton have submitted objections to the application, raising concerns over the ‘inappropriate’ serving of alcohol in an educational facility for children, increased noise and an escalation of the existing problems with crime and disorder in the area.

One of the objectors states: “It is inappropriate to educate and entertain children within an environment of alcohol sales and consumption.

“There has been criminal activity in the area around Thorncombe Woods and Puddletown Forest: illegal encampments; ‘raves’ with speakers and alcohol, fires; theft.

“It is well known that availability of alcohol exacerbates criminal activity.”

They added: “In this regard the availability of alcohol is entirely inappropriate because the hamlet of Higher Bockhampton is isolated and sparsely populated. “Local residents can feel vulnerable.”

Another local resident states: “The granting of this licence would lead to traffic noise, light pollution, possibly criminal activity and would certainly have a really adverse effect on our lives.”

Stinsford Parish Council has also entered a formal objection to the licence application.

Their objection claimed it is ‘at odds’ with the original educational purpose of the centre and went on to raise concerns about noise nuisance, light pollution and crime and disorder.

Clerk to the council Kirsty Riglar says: “The granting of a licence to permit the sale of alcohol and the applicant’s intention to encourage visits to the centre in the evening is likely to result in the car park and woods becoming a popular target for thieves and vandals.

“There will also be an increase in visitors who have been drinking alcohol.

“An increase in crime and disorder is therefore probable, if not inevitable.”

The application will be considered by members of West Dorset District Council’s licensing sub committee on Thursday, November 6.