Stop the Bookie Madness

11 May 2007

The news that yet another betting shop has been given approval to open in Hackney has been condemned by MP Diane Abbott today. The latest shop is due to open on Chatsworth Road, despite the fact that there are already two betting shops operating on the road.

A local campaign against the proliferation of betting shops in Hackney – which currently hosts 95 of the venues, the second highest number in London – has launched an appeal against the decision to allow the shop to open. Mayor Jules Pipe and Hackney Council have implored the Government to make a change to the law that sees them powerless to stop the growth of betting shops in the area.

Denouncing the current system Diane said:

“Hackney is one of the poorest boroughs in London with the …highest level of unemployment in London, yet it has the second highest number of betting shops, These shops do nothing to improve the local area. They encourage gambling in an area that has a huge level of unemployed people and poverty, that in my mind is socially irresponsible. They are linked with increased levels of crime including begging, drug crimes and burglaries – hardly something that Hackney residents want to see. They stop other local businesses that could really benefit high streets, like grocery shops or newsagents, from opening and therefore the local community misses out.” 

Bookie madness will even lead to the 19th Century Old Town Hall on Hackney’s Mare Street being turned into a Coral bookmakers.  

 



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