THE owner of a Droitwich petrol station has been warned they face enforcement action if they continue with late night opening that has angered residents living nearby.

Residents complained after Euro Garages station in Worcester Road, formerly an Esso Service Station, began opening overnight earlier this year, despite regulations only allowing it to stay open until 11pm.

The firm applied to Wychavon District Council for planning conditions to be altered to allow 24-hour opening, but planners rejected this in November.

Despite refusal, the garage has continued to open after 11pm since - disappointing residents who are frustrated at noise and bright lights overnight.

Worcester Road resident Robert Belcher, who lives in a property near the garage with his wife and two children, said they were constantly being disturbed by the noise.

"We have lived here 20 years and have always lived next to a garage, but it has always been quiet at night," Mr Belcher said.

"Residents have fought vigorously that garages are closed at night, we want to have a good night’s sleep at the end of the day.

"The situation is getting steadily worse.

"We all assumed when the planning application was turned down that the garage would be made to close all night - if this does not happen what is the point of a planning decision."

Mr Belcher added that the garage had also recently installed blue LED lights on a 24-hour cashpoint, and the "bright lights" were reflecting into his and neighbours windows.

Graeme Duerden, Wychavon District Council's development control manager, said: "We are aware of the residents’ concerns and we have spoken with the garage owner’s agent.

"The agent is advising the garage owner to comply with the planning condition, which states that the garage must close at 11pm.

"We expect the condition to be met or we will look at taking further enforcement action."

Ilyas Munshi, Euro Garages' commercial director, said they were disappointed with the authority's decision, and were in the process of reverting to the approved hours.

Mr Munshi explained 24-hour provision was operated with a view to providing excellent welfare to motorists, such as residents who have been out in the evening and needed fuel to get home, and worried parents needing access to baby products.

"Given the reduced hours delegated we have had to advise some of the staff members that there services are no longer required," Mr Munshi said.

"This is particularly unfortunate as most people employed, in essence are local themselves.

"This aspect is even more disappointing as we approach the festive period."

Mr Mushi added they were working with the cashpoint supplier to address the reflection concerns, explaining the lights were introduced to improve visibility, especially for visually impaired and elderly customers.