THE owner of a sandwich shop in Hereford city centre wants to stay open until 2.30am.

Susan Barrow says keeping The Buttery trading until the early hours is the only way to ensure the business will survive.

The 54-year-old says she has lost about £700 a week since nearby council offices, including Garrick House, closed.

Initially she is asking Herefordshire Council’s Licensing department for permission to open the Maylord Street shop on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights but, if the move proves a hit, she hopes to extend it to late night Sundays and Bank Holidays too.

“The reason I have applied is because without it I know I won’t make another winter,” said Mrs Barrow.

“I’m finding there is too much food around the town.

“Also, when I took over about two years ago, I also had the council offices nearby.

“But they have now moved to Plough Lane.

“We’ve had a rough time since. I don’t really want to do this but I have no choice.”

She says her small team of staff “don’t mind” the proposals, saying they enjoy working at The Buttery, which has been trading for more than 20 years.

The shop would sell a similar range of cold food to that on offer in the daytime, including sandwiches and baguettes.

The application does not cover hot food which is subject to an early morning curfew in parts of the city centre.

Mrs Barrow said licensed door staff will be provided at The Buttery.

The evening opening hours, should they be approved, would be from 11.30pm to 2.30am from Thursday to Saturday.