Dismore supports Colindale residents in opposing new betting shop

 

Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden Andrew Dismore has written to members of the Barnet Council Licensing Sub-committee, who will be meeting on 3rd July to determine whether to grant an application for Paddy Power to operate a betting shop in the new developments on Colindale Avenue.

 

Residents recently held a protest against the scheme, saying that it would increase traffic and bring antisocial behaviour to a peaceful residential area. Residents also noted that there were a number of betting shops in the local area, including one within walking distance on the A5.

 

Mr Dismore said:

 

‘I have written to members of the Licensing Sub-committee to express my concerns. Betting shops can be a real nuisance in an area with a large population who use cash, and I am concerned that the new betting shop might lead to a rise in robberies by those with an addiction.

 

‘The area has enough betting shops already.

 

‘I am also concerned by the impact of gambling, especially addictions, which lead to all sorts of health problems and severe economic hardship, such as bankruptcy. To have a betting shop in an area with a large number of young families can only expose children to betting, and have even worse long term effects.’

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