Exposing the expansion of Gambling in Green Lanes. David Lammy and local Labour Councillors say ‘NO’ to all three Adult Gaming Centres on Green Lanes. Not one, not two, but three gaming premises license applications have been submitted for 48 Grand Parade, Green Lanes, a single premises. The applications would allow the proposed Adult Gaming Centre to have three times as many gaming machines as if they had submitted a single application. This would have a terrible impact on the local area, where, as those of us who live here know, we have more than enough gambling outlets already! David is determined to do all he can working with the community to stop this from going ahead. David Lammy said:
"Having opposed this gaming arcade during both its original planning and licensing stages, I was shocked to hear that far from listening to local concerns, the applicants have decided to expand this arcade through a licensing slight of hand. It is clear to anyone looking at this premises that this is one building and should not have three licenses.
"I know how angry the community is about this situation, and I will continue to oppose this application and any new expansion of gambling or gaming premises on Green Lanes."
Cllr Nilgun Canver, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Safer Communities and St Ann’s ward Councillor who is also part of the campaign added: “This is a matter our local residents feel strongly about and I am concerned that increased numbers of gaming units might attract crime and disorder and bring down the local area.” Cllr Brian Haley, Cabinet Member for Environment and Conservation and local ward Councillor says:
“I am disappointed that another gambling establishment is seeking the go ahead on Green Lanes despite all the hard work to improve this area and make it a more vibrant an interesting place to shop.”
Cllr Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Services and ward Councillor:
“These establishments encourage addiction and ruin lives.”
Cllr Gina Adamou continued:
“There are already too many gambling establishments in this area. Another one would be bad for local people and I sincerely hope these licences are refused.”
David Lammy MP's letter to Haringey Council:
Mr Niall Bolger
Director of Urban Environment
London Borough of Haringey
2nd Floor River Park House
225 High Road
Wood Green
London N22 8HQ
27 November 2008 Dear Sir/Madam, Application for three Gaming Premises Licence Applications at 48 Grand Parade, Green Lanes, London, N4 1AG. I am writing both as a concerned local resident and as Tottenham’s MP to object strongly to the above gaming premises licence applications which would allow the opening of three adult gaming centres at 48 Grand Parade. Having objected to this application at an earlier licensing stage and at its planning stage, I am disappointed that the application is still being considered. However, I was deeply shocked to learn that the applicant, Agora, has now asked that three gaming premises licence applications are considered at the above single premises. The alleged ‘three separate premises’ will be separated by opaque glass partitions and a central corridor. There will be a single front entrance, a single sales counter and it will remain as a single postcode. It seems very clear that Agora is attempting to suggest three premises exist where there is demonstrably only one. As you will no doubt be aware, if Agora is granted the three licenses they will be allowed to treble the number of gaming machines in the building. I am sure you will agree that this would be a deeply undesirable outcome and would go against the spirit of the rules outlining the acceptable number of gaming machines in single premises. Submitting three applications seems to be clear attempt to deceive Haringey Council and I hope you will ensure that it is not successful. Over the past few years the local community, supported by activists and local politicians have worked hard to improve Green Lanes – creating a more positive environment for local residents and businesses. Tougher licensing and planning enforcement has been a part of this process. It is vital that this work is allowed to continue and refusing these three applications would certainly contribute to the ongoing effort. I have been proud to be a part of local campaigns to oppose new applications where they have the potential to damage the community. I feel strongly that this is another such occasion and I am therefore adding my support to those local residents and councillors who have already written in and signed petitions opposing this application.
Yours sincerely
DAVID LAMMY
Member of Parliament for Tottenham
If you also feel that these applications should be refused, you should contact the Licensing Team by Wednesday 3rd December 2008. Licensing Team,
Enforcement,
Urban Environment,
Units 271-272,
Lea Valley Technopark,
Ashley Road,
Tottenham, N17 9LN Tel: 020 8489 8232 Fax: 020 8489 5528 Email: licensing@haringey.gov.uk
| 
