Ladbrokes look to take over launderette

JUST a fortnight after bookmakers Ladbrokes announced plans to open a bookies on the Abbey Manor estate in town – they are now looking at opening in another residential area of Yeovil.

The company has submitted a planning application to South Somerset District Council for the change of use of premises from a launderette to a betting shop on Forest Hill.

Plan agents R. R. Planning Ltd have said Ladbrokes want to take over the vacant premises known as Gibbs Laundry Service.

Haris Kasuji said: ‘’Ladbrokes wish to occupy the vacant premises as a betting office.

‘’The change of use of this unit will bring added vitality and footfall to the area, while the associated alterations and investment Ladbrokes intend to make in the property will ensure the long term viability of the unit as well.

‘’Betting offices are in fact one of the busiest of uses. In particular, they generate trade all year round, in the evenings as well as in the daytime, which is a unique feature.

‘’A modern betting office generates high footfall – the single most important indicator of vitality.’’

Mr Kasuji added that betting offices helped to make shopping areas more attractive.

‘’Since 1994 and the changes in betting and gaming legislation, betting offices are no longer closed in the sense that you can’t see into or out of them,’’ he said.

‘’They are therefore bright and busy and represent a picture of activity in the street scene.

‘’In this way they contribute to the vitality of the area in the most positive manner.’’

The news comes just a fortnight after Ladbrokes said they planned on opening a betting shop at The Forum on the Abbey Manor estate in Yeovil.

There were concerns among homeowners about the possible impact it could have on youngsters in the area and encourage them to gamble.

But the Ladbrokes website has said that it takes its responsibilities to prevent under-age gambling ‘very seriously.’ ‘’Appropriate age verificati

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