Protesters demonstrate outside Tottenham record shop (From Haringey Independent)

Protesters demonstrate outside Tottenham record shop

7:00am Saturday 7th August 2010 in News By Elizabeth Pears

ANTI-BETTING shop campaigners will gather outside a Tottenham record shop that was tipped to become a Paddy Power bookmakers.

Protesters will picket outside Every Bodies Music, known as Body Music, in High Road, Tottenham, to raise awareness of the danger despite the application being dismissed by a Haringey Council planning officer.

Concerns have been raised the bookie's may appeal the decision, and lobbysits want to gather support to oppose any future bids.

The record shop's owner is considering closing down the iconic shop famed for its extensive collection of reggae music because of a decline in sales.

Paddy Power have submitted a planning application to turn the site into its latest outlet.

Objections were received from Tottenham Green ward councillors, including Councillor Bernice Vanier, the Clyde Road Residents Association, and the Wards Corner Community Coalition.

All said they were opposed to the loss of a vibrant business being replaced by another gambling shop. There are already two others close by.

Critics say a gambling shop attracts crime, and damages communities.

Protest starts at 12pm and finishes at 3pm, at 261, High Road, Tottenham.