A Warwick chip shop has been granted permission to start selling alcohol as the business looks to diversify its offering.

Spinney Hill Fish Bar has been granted an alcohol licence by Warwick District Council (WDC) meaning it can now add alcohol to its takeaway sales.

The Percy Estate business has been given permission to sell booze for off-site consumption from 10am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, and from 10am to 10pm on Sundays.

Speaking at last week's WDC licensing & regulatory panel, business owner Arun Singh Matoo said obtaining the licence would help his business hit back against rising costs.

"As a fish and chip shop, we know what the cost of living has done to all of us including small businesses," he told the committee. 

"The rising cost of supplies, the rising costs of gas and electricity for small businesses has tripled. 

"So we have decided to boost our sales by selling alcohol in addition to our normal fish and chips."

He added: "Our business has struggled and this is a way to increase sales. It is also an opportunity to hire more staff."

There was just one objection from a local resident who said the nearby Morrisons sells alcohol, arguing no other businesses in the precinct should be able to.

"Over the last few years the area has improved with less vandalism and less anti-social behaviour and I'm concerned that this could help to undo this," the objection said.  

"I have been a resident in this area for 21 years and [have] been actively involved with The Gap as a volunteer and now a member of staff. 

"I have seen a big improvement to the area with less anti-social behaviour."

But members heard the various plans - including CCTV and an under-age drinking policy - which are to be put in place to prevent disturbance to the local community.

And the committee was also told no alcohol would be drunk on site, and was purely for off-site consumption.