Council aims to stack odds against bookies

OLDHAM Council is joining a national campaign to beat the bookies.

The borough has signed up to a joint submission to the Government which says councils should be given more control over where and when betting shops can open.

The move, led by Hackney Council, has cross-party backing from boroughs across London and 35 provincial councils. It would require bookies to get special planning permission before opening, like casinos and nightclubs.

There are currently 38 betting shops in Oldham - eight of them in the town centre.

Oldham Council and the other signatories say bookies should lose their automatic right to move into former pubs and restaurant premises.

Council leader Jim McMahon said: “The wave of betting shops opening nationally not only blights high streets but it also targets the most vulnerable members of our communities in testing economic times.

“This stance isn’t about being pro or anti-gambling, but we do firmly believe the planning laws need to reflect the big changes that have taken place in the betting industry in recent years.

“We believe residents should be able to have their say and shape the communities where they live and work.”