But for people living in Fairstead - a King's Lynn neighbourhood battling against alcohol-fuelled disorder - it has been described as "barbaric".

Locals say the area is in the grips of an epidemic of alcohol and drug abuse which has led to a rise in crime in the area.

The One Stop could open in the former GP surgery in Fairstead (Image: Owen Sennitt)

It has resulted in huge opposition to a licensing application for a new One Stop off-licence over fears that increased availability of alcohol will make the problems worse.

And the fact it would open in a former GP surgery - shut suddenly "by stealth" at the height of the pandemic - has dealt a bitter blow to the close-knit community,

Hundreds of people have rallied to oppose the bid, signing petitions and writing objections to the council.

The GP surgery could be turned into an off-licence (Image: Owen Sennitt)

The applicant claims it will boost the local economy and create nine jobs in an area already facing low employment rates.

But people locally are adamantly against it.

As one shop worker put it, what Fairstead needs is a "rehabilitation centre" and not another shop selling discounted alcohol.

A man cycles over a field in Fairstead, King's Lynn (Image: Owen Sennitt)

'WELCOME TO CRIMESTEAD'

In numerous letters to the council, worried parents have described several incidents of antisocial behaviour, many blaming alcohol and drugs for the problems.

Machete attacks, fights in the street, abuse from intoxicated individuals and groups drinking throughout the night in children's play parks are among the accounts.

People living in Fairstead say the area has been dubbed "Crimestead" due to the high levels of crime occurring in the community.

Homes in Fairstead, King's Lynn (Image: Owen Sennitt)

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