‘We need another betting shop ..... SAID NOBODY EVER!’ Readers react to plans for fifth Spalding bookies
News that a bookmaker wants to move into Spalding has proven to be anything but the winning ticket with our readers.
BoyleSports have lodged an application to transform the former Barclays bank building in Spalding’s Hall Place into a betting shop.
There are already four bookies and a Merkur Slots casino in the town centre.
MP Sir John Hayes and South Holland district councillor Gary Taylor have both spoken out against the plans.
But the residents of Spalding also appear to be vastly against the plans to use the empty building in this manner.
“We need another betting shop ..... SAID NOBODY EVER,” wrote Emma Edwards, while Paul Dixon added ‘at least it’s not another Turkish barbers or European shop selling vapes’, highlighting the other businesses Spalding has plenty of.
Dale Wootton shared the letter of objection he will be sending to South Holland District Council.
In it he argued ‘gambling harms in deprived areas’, a risk to mental health and families and lack of public benefit.
“Approving this application would increase financial vulnerability, worsen mental health outcomes, and contradict ongoing regeneration plans,” his latter added.
“The proposal offers no meaningful gain to the community and poses a clear risk to its most disadvantaged members.
“Instead, I urge the council to consider how incoming regeneration funding could support alternative uses for this space - ones that support wellbeing, economic inclusion, and a vibrant, healthy town centre.”
Daniel Tidswell argued the town already had enough betting shops.
“Four within 100-ish metres of each other, great way to make to town even more trashy and less appealing to businesses.”
Many agreed with Daniel that a high-number of bookies could put shoppers off coming into town altogether.
“How will this encourage more people to come into Spalding? How many more betting shops are needed in a small area of town?” asked Sally Hook.
“The town is well and truly finished.. it’s an absolute mess,” said Ashley Johnson.
Louise Gibbons added: “Our town is awful. Even the locals don't want to use it. People definitely won't want to come from outside of town.
“It looks scruffy. Shop windows and colours aren't in keeping with the architecture. It's so sad.”
Garry Hiller argued more needs to be done to atract people back into town or bookies will become the norm.
“I don't know what people expect,” he began.
“Online shopping has pretty much killed the high street. Unless we make retail much more attractive, sadly, this is the best we can hope for.”
Tony Barker would rather see the bank return to Hall Place, highlighting the problems he’s faced since the branch shut.
“Since Barclays has closed we have a 50-mile round trip to a Barclays branch,” he said.
“Since then, and in the last week alone, I have spent six hours on the phone to Barclays trying to get a problem sorted out as I can't get into a local branch because they are no longer local.
“I have battled with them since January. So it does need to be a bank again.”
Karen Tidwell asked: “Can we not have proper shops in town, why does it have to be a town for gamblers?”
Others, meanwhile, had suggestions of businesses they’d like to see in the empty shop.
“Maybe M&S. Or something useful not betting,” said Samantha Barnes, while Diane Ingle would like to see an ASDA Home/George store.
However, Martin Redman suggested these ideas would never come to fruition, adding: “People keep naming the big brands, M&S, Primark etc, but when their researchers do their surveys it's plain to see there's nowhere near the footfall required to justify the cost of them taking a unit in town.”
Some readers raised concerns about the dangers of gambling.
“Let’s help more addicts,” Leonie Dodman suggested as a better use of resources.
Of the almost 150 comments, not one was in favour of a further betting shop coming to town.
