Residents angry at bookie plan

BOOKIES plan row . . . Councillor Jean Stretton in Hollins Road, where a Ladbrookes is proposed

RESIDENTS are opposing plans to open a betting shop just yards from an existing store.

Ladbrokes has submitted a planning application to turn a unit next to the current Asda store in Hollins Road into a betting shop which would open 12 hours a day every day.

Objectors say there is already a bookie 200 yards away - and question how the conversion would benefit the area. His council’s planning officers have recommended the application for approval.

Council leader Councillor Jim McMahon has previously hit out at the proliferation of betting shops and high-interest loan shops - which he says prey on the poor and vulnerable.

Betting shops don’t need planning permission or change of use consent unless a councillor asks for a controversial proposal to be discussed in public.

Councillor Jean Stretton, cabinet member for co-operative and neighbourhoods and ward councillor for Hollinwood, is leading the fight against the plans and has referred it to the council’s planning committee.

She said: “I don’t think we need any more betting shops in Hollins Road, and it is certainly not the best use of the unit. I would be in support of any measure that means we don’t get more pay-day loan shops and gambling establishments.”

Ladbrokes did not respond to a request to comment.