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LICENSING PANEL SUB-COMMITTEE 3 FEB 2015News update

The deadline to submit comments has sadly passed, but I am pleased to announce that as many members of the public, you, have responded, that..

The application referred to the Licensing Panel called to meet at the Guildhall in Windsor, (originally  at 10am) on Monday 2nd February 2015, will now be held in the evening (probably 6:30pm) to allow member of the public to attend.

People power! I love it.

ALSO

Sign the petition created by local GP, Dr Katie Simpson at http://petitions.rbwm.gov.uk/stopbettingshop/ ⇐ click here

NB remember to click on the link in the email you receive once you’ve signed to verify your signature.

People power! I love it.

Original article

Do you want a third bookies, and their addictive “hi loss” machines in Dedworth? Here’s your last chance to have your say, as the proposal moves from Planning to the Licensing sections of RBWM. So, hurry, hurry.

Find out how Councillor Da Costa, and the Independent Councillors have fought for residents interests at https://www.westwindsorresidentsassociation.org.uk/blog-post/gambling-on-the-bbc/2029 – click here

 

A heads up on what to say

Sadly, there are only three criteria that can be officially considered by the panel, so please make sure you ALSO include comments, and stories, related to these three “Objectives”.

 

The three licensing principles (Objectives)

  1. Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associate with crime or disorder or being used to support crime
  2. Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
  3. Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling

Go to section 2 of the RBWM report – for more information click here

 

Who to write to

Write to; Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Licensing Section, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1RF.

Or email licensing@rbwm.gov.uk

You can call RBWM for more information on 01628 683840

Quote the following details: Application from William Hill for a licence to open a betting shop at 236 Dedworth Road, Dedworth, Windsor, SL4 4JR, Application no. 033664

 

Deadline

The deadline for RBWM to receive your comments is midnight on Friday 9 January 2015.

 

Wisdom’s representation

WWRA Chair, and Clewer North Councillor, Wisdom Da Costa, will publish his representation here in the coming weeks, but here are the opening paragraphs from his 18 page letter, which includes extensive research and data.

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“The residents of West Windsor do not want yet another betting shop in the area. They have great concerns about the lack of resident centred leadership by the local authority, and in relation to this application;

  • the loss of a valuable retail unit,
  • the antisocial effects of moving the emphasis of operations from day to evening,
  • exposing vulnerable people and children to addictive influences,
  • the proliferation of betting shops in close proximity increases the risk of addiction for people more susceptible to gambling addiction
  • allowing the gambling industry to target vulnerable communities with the most virulent, addictive, and damaging forms of gambling,
  • the majority of profits from a new betting shop is more likely to be from the FOBTs than over the counter betting and that this therefore being primarily a gaming not betting establishment,
  • the risk of additional crime, associated directly with the shop, in raising the risk of proceeds of crime being laundered here and the crime associated with an increase in problem gamblers
  • the consequent threat to our close knit communities.

These are concerns also shared by the resident led Windsor Neighbourhood Plan Group (WNP) who will seek a “balance between shop uses and devise policies to aim for a healthy balance between use classes.” [xvi]…”

To be continued…

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