Liberal Democrats secure expansion of gambling research study

3.55.58pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 13th May 2008

The impact of a surge of gambling premises in Noel Park and Wood Green High Road will now be looked at in a Council study. Concerned by the sudden increase in betting shops and the potential impact these have on the surrounding area, Lib Dem Cllr Fiyaz Mughal, requested that the study, initially aimed to research only the Green Lanes area, was expanded to include Noel Park.

Cllr Fiyaz Mughal (Noel Park) comments:

"Noel Park and Wood Green High Road are facing an explosion of gambling venues despite the opposition of many local residents. Such venues have replaced quality local small businesses and it seems residents are powerless to influence this influx. We need hard evidence of their impact on anti-social behaviour and on the young and vulnerable in order to support residents concerns. This is why I have fought for the study to be expanded."

Cllr Ron Aitken, Lib Dem Crime Spokesperson adds:

"Met Police statistics released this week indicate that Noel Park has very high levels of crime compared to London as a whole, yet it is supposedly our cultural and commercial heartland. Taking a serious look at the proliferation of betting shops in areas of deprivation and high crime makes sense."