MP welcomes refusal of adult gaming centre plan

The gaming centre would have been in part of the old Wilko Store

An MP has welcomed the decision to refuse planning permission for a new adult gaming centre.

It would have been located in the former Wilko unit at Peterborough's Hereward Cross Shopping Centre.

Planning documents stated it was refused over concerns it would "harm the vitality and viability of the Broadway area".

The city's Labour Co-op MP Andrew Pakes said the council decision "reflected growing concerns" about the number of gambling and vaping outlets.

Pakes has urged the government to change the law to make it easier for councils to refuse planning applications

Several applications for new adult gaming centres have been submitted in recent months, prompting calls from residents and civic organisations for action to preserve the character and safety of the city centre.

In May, Pakes raised this issue with the prime minister, urging the government to change the law and make it easier for councils to refuse applications, so that "communities such as mine can take back control" of city centres.

The MP is part of a coalition of 30 councils and MPs campaigning for gambling and planning laws to be changed.

"This is a welcome decision by the council to refuse this latest application," he said.

"People are fed up with our streets being turned into the Wild West by gambling shops.

"Nothing says more about the challenges facing Peterborough than the rise in fruit machine stores and vape shops.

"We need to call time on this decline and ensure councils have the power to deal with the uncontrolled growth of stores like these."