We have spoken to many of our neighbours over the last few months and many have expressed concerns regarding the increase in betting shops in our area.
Sadly one of the unintended consequence of legislation introduced by the last Labour Government on fixed odd betting machines has been an overall rise in the number of closely located betting shops.
Local Councils have very few powers to refuse applications by the betting firms and many have simply been granted after legal appeals.
We have spoken to colleagues about this problem and Wandsworth Conservatives have decided to explore using Article 4 Planning Directions to give councillors a greater say on the subject.
We can't guarantee that if the betting shop chains appealed, the courts would uphold such a policy but we hope it will give local councillors more powers to refuse inappropriate applications. Of course, we don't object to anyone having a flutter but too many betting shops could crowd out other retailers from our high street.
We hope you join us in welcoming Wandsworth Conservatives approach in stemming the tide of betting shops by exploring the use of Article 4 planning rules.
Robert Hughes, Shakeel Syed, James Raynor;
Tooting Conservative candidates for Wandsworth Council.
- Send your letters to: letters@wandsworthguardian.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel