Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Dear Mr Lammy .... Re Gambling Act 2005
We face a another application for a gambling licence for an establishment on Green Lanes. That's seven gambling outlets along a small stretch of Green lanes. Under the current Gambling Act 2005 there's no reason why we won't end up with more.
David Lammy MP is also against this number of gambling outlets within our community. He has sent in his objections to this latest application here. To push the case for change within Parliament Mr Lammy needs as many letters from us as possible.
You are welcome to copy the letter below or write your own. Please either;
(a) email: mail@davidlammy.co.uk [suggest 'Gambling Green Lanes' for a subject heading], or
(b) write to: David Lammy MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
Here's the letter;
Your Address
Date
Rt. Hon. David Lammy, MP
House of Commons
London SW1 OAA
Dear David Lammy,
I am writing to express my concern that Harringay is facing its seventh Gambling Licence application for Green Lanes. Our area is fast turning into a gambling strip with a concentration of so many betting shops within a small area. I would like to express my strong opposition to this and am seeking your help here to stop this blight on Grand Parade.
I would like to ask what actions you intend to take as our local MP about this serious issue. Clearly there needs to be a change in the law as at present gambling operators seem to be able to establish themselves so easily within our community. This is unacceptable and we really need you to act decisively.
In the past, you have indicated that you oppose the spread of gambling establishments and would work towards bringing this to an end. We are relying on you as we realise that there are very few ways that a community or individual can oppose an application for a gambling licence. Previous community based campaigns, even with media support, have failed. I believe the increased number of these gambling establishments has changed the character of our high street for the worse. The arguments against these gambling establishments are well known;
• Attract serious crime
• Links to petty crime
• Addiction of gambling
• Bad impression given to young people
• Taking away choice for our community for essential local shopping by pricing out other businesses for leases
The current law gives my community little chance to oppose on these grounds. This must change.
We would like to see from you a clear plan of action to work with other MPs and officials within parliament to move for a change in the current law overseeing gambling establishments. We would like to see significant progress before April 2010.
Yours sincerely
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Cut and paste the letter above into your email or see word.doc attached below for posting.
Please let us know here if you email/write in.
Thank you
Tags for Forum Posts: betting shops, gambling
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by matt on
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Thank you David.
Please let us all know here at HOL what the Secretary of State's reply is when you receive one.
In the mean time, you may wish to look into Hackney's approach using the Sustainable Communities Act. Hugh links to this further back within this thread.
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Permalink Reply by Hugh on
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See this great news about Agora's bid for 24 hour opening.
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Permalink Reply by Liz on
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The deadline for planning is past on 513 Green Lanes but here is advice just in from the LCSP on making an objection to the licence.
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Permalink Reply by james walsh on
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The Japanese word "chokuegambo" describes the wish that there were more designer-brand shops on a given street.
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Permalink Reply by matthew cuthbert on
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Difficult when your MP voted down the line for the legislation which led to the proliferation of betting shops. Fact
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Permalink Reply by Clive Carter on
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Matthew, as a party political point, I'd be the among the first to criticise Mr Lammy for having voted – like so many east-bloc councillors – for career rather than principle.
However, if we actually care about cleaning up the spreading oil-slick of FOBTs, we ought now to recognise that David has altered his views on this Act and welcome his change of heart.
It is said that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance!
Disclosure:
I am a prospective councillor candidate
Highgate Ward | Liberal Democrat Party
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making amends is better
Amen!
(NB. I continue to regard the Gambling Act 2005 as one of New Labour's greatest shames)
Disclosure:
I am a prospective councillor candidate
Highgate Ward | Liberal Democrat Party
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Permalink Reply by Ruth on
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I think New Labour's shames are so many and varied it's hard to rank them…
Introducing tuition fees 1997 as soon as they got into power (what a messy business that made of HE!) is probably my 'top of the pops.' A draconian smoking ban (I was for some more of control btw) that allows for no choice about separate smoking rooms and has helped to close down thousands of pubs and clubs and subsequent job losses… that's another..
but I don't want to highjack this stream which is about the betting shop proliferation.
It's just symptomatic of the mistakes of New Labour. Evidence that they want to make amends and have the clear commitment to putting things right is needed before they ever have my vote again.
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UNFORTUNATELY, its going to be long and hard IMO to row back the excessive freedoms bestowed on the gambling industry by the last government.
This Act would have been a poor piece of legislation from any party. It was surprising that it came under a Labour Government, which Party I had thought prided itself on social responsibility and speaking up for the weak and vulnerable.
(It is now widely recognised that the highest density of the betting shops is in poorer areas. John McMullan has correctly identified the FOBTs as being the driving force behind proliferation).
However, late last year it was disclosed that New Labour accepted large donations from a major gambling operation prior to the legislation.
Venal and adding insult to injury?
Or was it just coincidence?
I think not. A few voices within New Labour warned what would happen but they were disregarded.
It's become a cliché that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. This Act is an example of how a government can contribute to the trend.
Disclosure:
I am a prospective councillor candidate
Highgate Ward | Liberal Democrat Party
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