Blast for betting shops

A LIB-DEM motion calling for a halt to the spread of betting shops on Oldham’s high streets was unanimously approved at Oldham’s full council meeting last night.

The motion, proposed by Councillor Howard Sykes, urged the Government to repeal sections of the 2005 Gambling Act, which prevent councils from taking existing gambling licences into account when considering new ones - in other words, there is nothing councillors can do to prevent two or more betting shops on the same stretch of road.

The council will also lobby against current planning legislation allowing betting shops to open up in buildings previously used as restaurants, takeaways and pubs without any change of use planning permission.