South Holland District Council leader is opposed to betting shop plan for former Spalding Barclays site

A council leader has vowed to stand with shoppers to fight against plans for a betting shop.

South Holland District Council leader, Coun Nick Worth, is also opposed to plans to convert the former Barclays Bank unit in Hall Place, Spalding, into a BoyleSports betting shop.

People across the area have been angered by the plans to bring yet another betting shop into town - which already has four.

But there are fears that local opposition to BoyleSports application could be ignored by the Planning Inspectorate which overturned the district council’s refusal to allow Merkur Slots to open an adult gaming centre in the former Dorothy Perkins site in Hall Place.

Merkur had appealed against the refusal and won its case with the planning inspectorate - despite the strong opposition from the town and its politician

Coun Worth said: " I stand with our residents and businesses in opposing the need or desire for yet further provision of betting and gambling in Spalding town centre, we already have too many. Sadly the last time we had a similar application that local insight and opposition was overturned by the National Planning Inspector."

Spalding Business Improvement District Manager Sarah Fletcher is offering to act as an intermediary.

She said: “Spalding BID as a representative of businesses and the town centre understand the commercial pressures on all concerned especially with the need to utilise empty premises, however, this needs to be balanced against what might be best for the town centre.

“With this in mind, rather than making any specific comments at this stage, Spalding BID is keen to hear the views of as many local businesses as possible about the proposal are so that we better understand a wider range of views, taking them into consideration before commenting further.

“Additionally, on behalf of local businesses, shoppers, visitors and residents, we would be keen to act as an intermediary between the Landlord, potential tenants and South Holland District Council to try a get a use for the building that would be beneficial to all.

”We encourage local businesses to contact us at hello@spaldingbid.co.uk to share their views.​”