YOBBISM was one of the reasons why plans to convert a former supermarket in Evesham's Port Street into a social club and snooker hall failed.

At last Thursday's Wychavon District Council planning committee councillor Martin Jennings said the menace of yobbism was why he reluctantly voted against the plan for the former Kwik Save.

He said: "What bothers me is we are refusing this is because yobbism rules ok in this area."

Coun Jennings, member for Evesham south, said he wanted to see the area rejuvenated but he could not back this plan because of potential late night disorder.

"Is it not a great pity that we have to bow down to the yob element?" he asked.

Coun Jennings said this was not the first time plans had failed in Evesham because of the fear of disorder. Plans for a continental-style pavement cafe in the Market Square was refused for the same reason.

The committee was well aware of the concerns of people living near the site, which envisaged a ground floor social club and first floor snooker hall.

Coun Ron Cartwright, who proposed the committee threw out the plan, said: "I've never known so many telephone calls and letters in my life."

The committee also heard Wychavon's planning department had had 130 letters of objection and a petition with 287 names from people opposed to the plan on the grounds of increased late night traffic, noise, drunkenness, rowdiness, and crime.

The committee also believed the application was contrary to policy of encouraging retail businesses in town centres.

Carol Owens who house overlooks the former supermarket's car park said she was both pleased and relieved.

She accepted something needed to be done with the buildings but had been very concerned about the effect on people close to it.

Town councillor and Port Street trader David Alesbury also welcomed the news, and said: "I think there are better things for the store and they're worth waiting for."

He hoped applicant Mr G Warwick of St Albans would look again at development plans and talk to residents. Mr Warwick did not wish to comment.