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Cllr Janet Burgess |
‘IT’S LITTLE LAS VEGAS’ FEARS OVER ARCADES
Firm wins go-ahead – and bids for third gaming centre in street
ARCHWAY was dubbed “little Las Vegas” this week after a gaming firm was given the green light to open a second arcade in the area – and immediately announced plans for a third.
With at least seven bookmakers in a half-mile radius, Junction Road shopping centre is fast becoming the borough’s “gambling capital”, according to shocked residents.
But, while gaming establishments flourish, shops are struggling in the recession. Last month, popular, family-run builders merchant Goodward closed its store in Junction Road after almost 50 years’ service to the community.
Now, residents fear that, with unemployment rising in the area, vulnerable people will be tempted to try their luck at the new gambling outlets.
A government inspector this week supported a bid – refused originally by Islington Council – by Agora Amusements to open a 40-machine arcade at double-fronted premises at 31-33 Junction Road, formerly Emily’s Home Store.
The inspector also said the firm could keep its existing arcade at 53 Junction Road, despite Agora offering to close it at a recent public inquiry into the Home Store application.
The firm has applied to open a third arcade at a former grocer’s at 35 Junction Road. Comments on the application have to be received by the council’s planning department by October 8.
Jan Tucker, a member of Better Archway Forum, was appalled at the decision to uphold Agora’s appeal against the council’s refusal of permission for the arcade. “It was bad enough having one gaming centre, but now we could have three,” she said. “Archway is one of the most deprived areas in the UK, with a lot of vulnerable people living nearby. There are also a number of bus routes used by up to 5,000 schoolchildren each day.”
Labour councillor Janet Burgess called on the council to introduce restrictions under a new local government framework that could help stop the rush of gaming establishments to Archway. She added: “There are new planning powers which could restrict these arcades. We have to be very strong and clear that we don’t want them.”
Lib Dem councillor Stefan Kazprzyk said that if Agora was allowed to open a third outlet it would be the equivalent of four shops, including two at 31-33 Junction Road. “All their outlets would total the size of a large Co-op store,” he added. “A huge number of people objected to these gaming shops and were ignored. It makes a mockery of local democracy.”
More than 50 residents signed a petition against the plans to turn Emily’s Home Store into an arcade. There were also dozens of letters of objection.
One objector, Russell Child, estimated that, with 40 machines each making £2,000 a week, £100,000 or more would be taken from the weekly wages of local people.
Legal representative for Agora, Roger Etchells, has argued that the company, which already operates an arcade at the Nag’s Head in Holloway, has a strict code of conduct.
“The gaming laws are very tough,” he said. “There is no admission for people under age and close scrutiny of vulnerable types. We have similar operations throughout the country and experience very few, if any, problems.” |
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