BETS OFF BLACKSTOCK
Join us to stop a harmful 24/7 adult gambling centre opening on our high street
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WHAT'S THE CONCERN?
We need shops and services that support the community, not an all-night gambling venue that will increase noise, disruption and antisocial behaviour.
We are a group of local residents, parents, businesses and community organisations campaigning against plans for a 24-hour Adult Gaming Centre (AGC) on Blackstock Road.
License application
Although planning permission has been granted on appeal, the operator has not yet obtained the necessary gambling licence. There is still an opportunity for local people to make their voices heard.
Community location
The proposed site sits at the heart of a residential neighbourhood and close to schools, family facilities, places of worship and businesses that serve the local community.
Anti-social behaviour
Blackstock Road already faces exceptional challenges relating to crime, anti-social behaviour and deprivation. We are concerned that a 24-hour AGC would significantly add to those pressures.
Public nuisance
This will be the only premise open all night. Other AGCs in London have been “associated with crime and disorder, in particular that groups of people under the influence of drugs or alcohol frequently congregated outside the premises and abused and threatened ... the public and local residents”
Protecting vulnerable
Gambling-related harm can have a real and often devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. More than a quarter of respondents to a recent study said that they knew young people who had visited an Adult Gaming Centre.
Local Deprivation
Deprivation has long been linked with an increased likelihood of gambling. Yet gambling venues cluster in areas that are more deprived. Additionally AGCs employ few people, contributing to high unemployment levels particularly among young people.
The proposed site; 3 Blackstock Road, N4 (image credit)
WHAT WE CAN DO TO HELP STOP THIS
Join the campaign by signing up below
Write to David Lammy MP
Click here for our draft email.
Attend his surgery from 10am to 1pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Call 020 7219 076 to make an appointment.
Contact your councillors
Contact our local Brownswood Ward councillors. Cllr Soraya and Cllr Florence can be reached on:
soraya.adejare@hackney.gov.uk and florence.schechter@hackney.gov.uk
Spread the word
Speak to your friends, neighbours and local businesses about the Bets Off Blackstock campaign.
Contact the press.
Share on social media.
Gather evidence
We are all in this together. We know that this will cause harm, but we need your help to evidence this. Follow our updates and attend public meetings.
Resources
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Social Market Foundation Report High Streets at Stake on the rise of AGCs and recommendations for reform
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The Government's Planning Inspector's Appeal Decision for the premise of 3 Blackstock Road
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Press piece on a successful campaign to reject a license in Willesdon
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A broader campaign to reform the 'aim to permit' laws, signed by Andy Burnham MP and Paula Barker MP among others.
SHARE YOUR CONCERNS
Personal experiences can help decision-makers understand how a 24-hour betting shop could affect the people who live, work and spend time around Blackstock Road.
Tell us why you oppose the proposal and what concerns you most. You might want to share your experience of antisocial behaviour, noise, gambling-related harm, safety after dark or the impact another betting shop could have on the character of our high street.
Your story can be brief. Please only share information you are comfortable making part of the campaign.