Local residents continue to express their concerns about the new Sainsbury's Local on Hampton Wick High Street, which is opening next Thursday, 27 February at 9am.

Speaking at a Police Liaison Group Meeting for the Hampton Wick and South Teddington Ward last night, Thursday 20 February, one local resident expressed her concerns regarding the new store's licencing hours (7am – 11pm).

She said that she is worried about young people buying alcohol from the store and engaging in anti-social behaviour at night.

She also worried that with the new store being so close to Hampton Wick Station, which has no ticket barriers, people might bunk the trains, to which several residents agreed with.

In response to the resident's concerns, Police Constable Lex Powell said that the local police team is having "ongoing discussions" with the local licensing officer about securing security in the new store.

He also said that the "lack of ticket barriers" at Hampton Wick Station is being looked into.

However, the resident was not happy with this response, claiming that the Sainsbury's team is "friendly" with the licensing officer.

Another resident expressed his concern regarding the lack of CCTV near the new shop, which he believes will invite shoplifters.

According to PC Powell, the ward has the "bare minimum level of Council CCTV", with the only council CCTV in the area being in Teddington Station.

He said that police are trying to get more CCTV for the area from Richmond Council.

Lead councillor for Hampton Wick said that "Sainsbury's will have a requirement to have CCTV cameras the front of the shop."

The new Sainsbury's is replacing the former Painted Furniture Company at 59 – 61 High Street.