A village trader has warned plans to open an off-licence may force him to shut up shop.

Robin Fisher, who runs Chestertons delicatessen in Ditchling, is one of more than 100 villagers who have objected to the scheme.

An application has been made to convert the cottage at 8 High Street, opposite Chestertons, back into a shop.

There is a separate application for it to be turned into an off-licence.

Mr Fisher, 49, said: "If sales of wines and spirits are affected it will affect the turnover of the whole shop. The wines and other drink support the rest of the produce and prop up my business. For the last three years we have been building up the business it is still not making a profit but we are getting there.

"The shop is more than just a delicatessen. It is also a place to meet and chat, while people can sit and have a coffee in the garden."

More than 100 people have written letters of complaint about the application to Ditchling Parish Council.

The application is due to go before Lewes magistrates on Wednesday at 12pm.

Ditchling Parish Council is opposed to the plan and in a letter to the licensing magistrates pointed out there were two off-licences and a supermarket selling alcohol in nearby Hassocks.

Applicants Lucy Harris, of Park Crescent, Brighton, and Andrew Taylor, of Kingston-upon-Thames, were not available to comment.