Campaigners welcome announcement betting shop plans put on hold (From Haringey Independent)

Campaigners welcome announcement betting shop plans put on hold

11:43am Thursday 18th October 2012 in News By Bruce Thain

Campaigners against a new betting shop say there has been good progress following the announcement plans have been put on hold.

People living in Harringay raised concerns about plans for a new betting shop in Green Lanes, where there are already eight other shops.

The proposed shop was due to go into a  retail unit on the corner of St Ann’s Road by company Tipico, which predominantly works in online gambling.

However following interest from the community, estate agent Kinleigh, Folkard and Hayward (KFH) who are leasing the property, announced plans would be put on hold.

Paul Stork, 56, of Green Lanes, who started the campaign said: “We welcome the news the plans have been put on hold, but we are still going to fight to prevent any more betting shops coming to the area.

“There is a saturation of betting shops and it is hurting the area and people do not want them on their doorstep.

“People had concerns about the plans and the antisocial behaviour which associated with betting shops.

“Ideally we would like to see the premises used for something else which will benefit the community.”

In a letter Kaylene Smith from KFH said: “We have been trying to find a tenant for the premises for almost a year and have received only one acceptable offer.

“However, we have listened to the concerns voiced by local residents and traders and have decided to put the assignment to the betting shop operator on hold while we re-explore other options.”

She added they are very happy to work with the local community to find a mutually satisfactory solution.

However they say they cannot hold these empty premises indefinitely and do need to eliminate liabilities for the rent and rates, which are approaching £85,000 per year.