POLICE attempted to block a new pizza takeaway premises in a town centre crime hotspot due to spiralling levels of violent crime.

The areas of Westfield Street and Ormskirk Street have seen 201 reported cases between January and August as violent crime has increased in the town centre.

Police objected to an application for a new Pizzalicious premises at 40 Ormskirk Street stating it would result in "further disorder and violence in an area that already has extensive problems".

Officers are concerned about the potential for assault when drunken revellers gather in takeaways after leaving bars and clubs.

However, the committee gave the green light to the premises believing the application would not undermine prevention of crime and disorder.

In a statement to the St Helens Council Sub-Licensing Committee, PC Kevin Ward said: "St Helens town centre is not unlike any other town centre with an active night-time economy and as a result has problems with violence and anti-social behaviour.

"At this present time St Helens town centre is experiencing an increase in these incidents of violent crime and anti-social behaviour, and the main area for this is Westfield Street and Ormskirk Street where most of the bars, takeaways and taxi offices are located."

It added that the area accounted for 90 per cent of violent crime reported in the town centre neighbourhood.

A Cumulative Impact Policy was granted in the spring making it more difficult for bars to open in a bid to tackle town centre violence.

The licence for the premises was granted with the committee "satisfied that granting the application would not undermine the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance licensing objectives".

Modified conditions included a licence to serve food only between 11pm and 3am, all incidents of crime and disorder having to be recorded in a register to be kept on the premises and must be made available to police or any authorised officer on request.