Supermarket giant Lidl was accused of trying to create a "near monopoly" on alcohol sales in Prestonpans after it applied to extend its drinks aisle.

Prestonpans Community Council objected to the store's plans to increase capacity for alcohol sales by 30 per cent after refurbishing its shop in the town.

But while the community council accused the chain of taking advantage of the current crisis, East Lothian Licensing Board backed the plans, with one local councillor praising the store for its community work and support.

In a strong letter to the board opposing the application, the community council said: "Given the current economic climate with local pubs and independent shops within the town struggling due to the covid crisis, we feel this is an attempt by Lidl at trying to secure a near-monopoly of local alcohol sales.

"There has been considerable media reporting that alcohol consumption at home has gone up during the Covid pandemic due to restrictions in the hospitality sector and people having to work from home.

"As well as Lidl, Prestonpans currently has three Scotmid stores, one Co-op and four local convenince stores all selling alcohol...there is no need for Lidl to expand its alcohol provision."

Read More: Concern over Covid impact on pubs

The community council went on to question what Lidl had done to support its local community.

However, during a virtual meeting of the licensing board today (Thursday), ward councillor Lachlan Bruce highlighted food donations made by the local store to community hub the Pennypit Trust as evidence of its commuity work.

And he praised the store's "diligence" over alcohol sales.

He added: "The quality of alcohol on sale is also good. It is not your 99p cider or anything like that."

Lidl argued that even with the increase, its drinks display remained much smaller than other supermarkets offered.

But councillor Willie Innes, ward member and council leader,  refused to support Lidl's application.

He told the board: "A 30 per cent increase in alcohol sales is significant and I share some of the concerns of the community council. I am struggling to support the application."

The board voted by five  to one (Councillor Innes) to allow the change to the store's alcohol licence.