Campaigners are cracking open the bubbly after defeating controversial plans for a "pile 'em high, sell 'em cheap" off-licence on their doorstep.

Almost 1,000 protesters signed petitions against a Bargain Booze shop in Prettygate, Colchester.

Anxious residents claimed the store would be a magnet to rowdy troublemakers.

Bargain Booze, which has 500 branches across the country, outlined a raft of measures to prevent under-age kids buying and stealing alcohol.

But licensing chiefs ruled against the Crewe-based chain's plans after a marathon five-hour hearing.

Bargain Booze is now considering an appeal.

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Published Wednesday, February 16, 2005

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