A burgeoning delicatessen business in Sutton has applied to extend its opening hours, barely a year after opening.

Deli at 65 opened in High Street in May last year and is owned by business brothers Mark and Pete Petrou, who also run a fish and chip shop in Chatteris. The shop was the former base of the Hills, Harnwell and Rutterford butcher’s shop but now supplies cakes, cheeses, cured meats, vegetables and fruits as well as tea and coffee.

The owners have applied to extend the shop’s current opening hours to 7.30am-10pm, from Monday to Saturday, and 10am-4pm on Sunday.

According to the district council, the shop’s current opening hours are 8am-7pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-8pm on Saturdays.

Mr Petrou told council planners: “We have had a large number of requests from our customers to open earlier and close later. We believe that this would make the long term viability of the business more sustainable.

“We propose to amend our hours in line with existing businesses already in High Street which would allow us to compete more effectively.”

A number of neighbours have already come out in support of the application, claiming that the shop has become an important resource to the village.

John Lagrue, of High Street, Sutton, said: “The deli has become a valued asset to Sutton High Street and the addition of longer hours and Sunday opening will enhance the village.”

And Samantha Impey, of The Row, in Sutton, added: “Less restrictive opening hours will allow the deli to thrive and move forwards. It is already central to the local community.”

To have your say, or to view the plans, visit www.eastcambs.gov.uk