Betting Shop Update
Breaking news. RBWM’s Licensing Panel Sub-Committee “with regret” gives William Hill the go ahead for a third bookies in Dedworth. The Sub-Committee were “grateful for the representations made by Cllr Da Costa and the other members of the public” but constrained by the permissive, free-for-all, legislation brought in by David Cameron’s coalition government.
Read what the Sub-Committee said in their letter of today – RBWM Letter to William Hill 9 February 2015 – click here to read the letter
Words of Wisdom – Cllr Da Costa
“Yes, it is disappointing that William Hill have been granted a license, and that the operating conditions that we requested to protect residents have been disregarded.
Whilst the (licensing) process set up by the current government favours big business interests over the needs of residents, I do believe that our council could act smarter, and support the interests of residents with greater cunning, after all they are public servants
The issues Dr Simpson and I raised are not a new, but, for some strange reason, this and other matters that effect ordinary people, do not seem to have been even noticed by RBWM’s Tory led council. Their leadership on such issues has been poor.
Since 2011, yes 2011, hundreds of councils up and down the country have both raised their concerns with the government, and also taken “smart” steps to redress the imbalance in favour of big business introduced by the Tories; their “permissive” ethos pervades both Planning and Licensing.
I will work with people who do employ best practise around the country, and also RBWM’s officers, to try and put some backbone, and tenacity, into our system to protect the residents of RBWM.
But immense thanks and praise is due to council officers, local churches, and above all Dr Kate Simpson, for their help and support of local residents.
Sadly the Panel was unable to love Dedworth.
Let’s stay committed to our community, get streetwise, and play the long game together. Here’s how to deal with any antisocial business, or issue”
It’s time to get wise, and play the long game
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Get streetwise – Here’s how to deal with any antisocial business, or issue
“The more evidence we can collate, and record with both RBWM and the Police, about anti-social businesses, and issues, the greater the chance of operating licenses being revoked, or not granted next time, and anti-social perpetrators being stopped.
It’s time to get wise, and play the long game.”
Please make sure you report all complaints about the effect of William Hills operations, or other anti-social businesses to BOTH;
- RBWM’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team by Telephone (01628 796 725), or email (anti.social@rbwm.gov.uk) and also
- Thames Valley Police – 101, or 999 (in an emergency)
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More to follow shortly.