A SHOPKEEPER accused by police of selling alcohol to underage drinkers has lost his licence.

Licensing magistrates ruled that Mark Donlan, aged 42, who owns MD Off Licence, in Abden Street, Radcliffe, was an "unfit and proper person" to sell alcohol and revoked his licence.

Police have hailed the verdict as a "good result" in tackling youth nuisance in the area.

But Mr Donlan claimed he was made a scapegoat for problems created by a nearby skatepark.

At a hearing in Bury, police maintained that Mr Donlan had been a catalyst for rising youth nuisance in the area.

Police intelligence analyst Julia Ryan said there had been a rise in reported incidents near to the shop since October 2002, when Mr Donlan took over.

Community officer Andrew Hall said that the off-licence had been a focal point for the bad behaviour, which included incidents of minor damage and under-age drinking.

PC Hall said he had heard that teenagers who congregated near the shop were buying their alcohol there.

Defending solicitor Mr Ged Frazer argued that the rise in trouble was due to the opening of a skate park off Pilkington Way.

Young people from across the borough had been drawn to Abden Street, with many bringing alcohol from other shops, he said.

Ten witnesses spoke on behalf of Mr Donlan, several saying that they had seen him being victimised after refusing to sell alcohol to youths.

Mr Frazer said : "To take away his licence would mean not only taking away his livelihood, but also the place where he lives."

Magistrates decided that, on the balance of probability, the police case had been proven.

Welcoming the result, head of Radcliffe township, Inspector Steve Clarke said: "There is a lot of concern about young people and alcohol and we have been listening to what people are telling us."

Mr Donlan said his solicitors would be lodging an appeal within the next 21 days. Until the appeal period is over, he will still be allowed to serve alcohol.