A CAMPAIGN is gathering pace to stop a betting shop opening in Sudbury Town.
Betfred has applied for a betting licence which would enable them to open a bookies at 775 Harrow Road, Sudbury. But furious residents do not want bookmakers to open another in the area and have started a petition, calling on Brent Council not to grant it a licence.
Renu Kaul, member of the recently formed Sudbury Town Residents’ Association, said: "If this licence is approved and there is a third betting shop in Sudbury Town, this will invite serious anti-social behaviour. There will be men hanging around smoking and drinking and being a nuisance outside. This is what happens outside the front door of the other two betting shops."
Mrs Kaul added: "The most important reason of all is that in these economically troubled times it is wrong to encourage people to gamble the little money they have.
"This encourages and creates deprivation in families where there is insufficient money for the basic essentials of life."
There is a William Hill, in Watford Road, and Paddy Power, in Harrow Road, both a short walk away from where the new one is proposed.
A Brent Council spokeswoman said: "No decision has been made. A hearing will soon be held in front of the licensing committee for residents and groups to explain concerns."
