TOTTENHAM'S community will stand united at a mass rally this Saturday outside a 30-year-old independent record shop at risk of becoming a betting shop.

Determined residents dead against Paddy Power's plans to open another betting shop in an area already saturated with bookmaker's have organised a series of protests over the past few weeks to ensure their voices are heard.

The Find Your Voice Pressure Group has now organised a rally that will bring together councillors, residents, conservationists and music enthusiasts who want to save Every Bodies Music as well as those who feel a bookie's would stifle the area's vitality. More than 400 signatures against the proposals have already been collected.

Haringey Council denied Paddy Power permission on the grounds that it did not fit in with the area's development plan which calls for diversity in business.

But the gambling firm has revealed it plans to go above their heads and appeal the decision with the Planning Inspectorate.

Campaigner Douglas Williams said: “The Find Your Voice campaign seeks to bring community pressure on Haringey Council to insist the coalition Government helps protect the diversity of business in communities like Tottenham.

“Every Bodies Music has been a prominent feature of the High Road and community for over thirty years. Although we are focusing on the issue of Paddy Power’s appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, it is important that if the shop should lose its position at its present location it should not be replaced with another betting establishment.

“Tottenham has over thirty betting shops already and needs diversity in business. The campaign understands the private nature of the situation relating to the lease between the landlord, Every Bodies Music and Paddy Power. However the campaign believes that both local and national government can have an impact here.”

Backing the campaign is Tottenham MP David Lammy, Haringey councillors including Bernice Vanier and Isidoros Diakedes as well as a number of community organisations and residents associations.

Speakers at the rally include broadcaster Hugh Rose, local DJ Mr P, community activist Errol Hines, Tottenham resident and trade unionist Jenny Sutton, music journalist Chris B and lecturer and lecturer Duametef.

Rally runs between 12pm and 3pm outside Every Bodies Music, at the junction of West Green Road and High Road, Tottenham.