Anger over plan for Bellshill betting shop
COUNCIL officials have been urged to reject an application for planning permission to open another betting shop in Bellshill town centre.
Applicant Brian Curley, from Hamilton, is seeking consent from North Lanarkshire Council to sub-divide the former Alhambra Bar at the corner of Main Street and Motherwell Road to form a new public house and a betting office.
The application has yet to be considered by the council's planning and transportation committee but has already come under fire over fears that the town centre already has more than enough betting shops.
The town's MSP Michael McMahon said he 'couldn't believe his ears' when he heard of the plan while objections have already been lodged by local councillor Harry Curran and Bellshill Community Council.
The site of the Alhambra, which has lain vacant for several years, is directly across the road from one of the town centre's two Ladbrokes shops and only a short walking distance from the other Ladbrokes office, as well as two shops operated by rival bookmakers William Hill and one by Coral.
Councillor Curran said: "At a time when we are trying to encourage more retailers in the town centre, we already have an over-provision of betting shops and allowing another one would do nothing to enhance the town centre."
Mr McMahon added: "While I am concerned at the number of empty premises in the town I do not believe that Bellshill town centre is in desperate need of another bookmakers."
Full story in September 9 edition of Bellshill Speaker
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Weather for Bellshill
Friday 25 May 2012
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