‘Why would we want to feed a gambling epidemic?’ MP and councillor speak out against plans for fifth Spalding bookies
A town should not be ‘feeding a gambling epidemic’ by allowing another bookies to open up, it has been claimed.
MP Sir John Hayes has spoken out against BoyleSports’ plans to convert the groundfloor space of the former Barclays bank in Spalding’s Hall Place.
“I’m opposed to it. The last thing Spalding needs is another betting shop,” said the South Holland and the Deepings representative.
“I’ve worked nationally with an organisation that’s trained to deal with problem gambling and I’ve met people who have lost children to problem gambling and I’ve raised the matter in the house previously.
“Why would we want to feed a gambling epidemic by opening another shop?
“I will oppose it and I will write to the council saying that and I hope they will reject it.”
Spalding currently has four bookmakers and a Merkur Slots casino operating in the town centre.
Merkur recently had an application to operate 24 hours a day in the town refused, now South Holland District Council’s portfolio holder for community development Coun Gary Taylor says he hopes these latest plans will also get a short shrift.
“You need a variety of choice and some quality shops,” he said.
“It’s unattractive to see empty shops but there are betting shops in town and they already exist.
“Ladbrokes have two and my girlfriend once worked there so I’m not against them or the employment the bring. But there are too many now and I am objecting to it.
“Those who bet can already go elsewhere in town.”
Coun Taylor also highlighted the dangers of highly addictive FOBT slot machines found in many bookmakers.
“Many people place a bet on Grand National Day, it’s a British tradition,” he said.
“But we’re not talking about that, we’re talking about people who are sometimes on limited income or borrowing money to spend it doing this.
“We want footfall in the town centre but is this the most appropriate footfall? it’s disappointing.”
The Barclays building has remained empty since the branch closed a year ago.
