There are now over 65 bookmakers in Haringey. Our high streets are becoming consumed by betting shops and pay-day lenders.

It is a fundamental element of localism, indeed of democracy, that citizens in a particular area should have a say over what happens in that area. Local people do not want yet another betting shop damaging the fabric and diversity of Haringey’s high streets. Local councils do have some powers, although limited, to control the number and locations of betting shops, and we ask them to listen to the views of local people when making this decision.

Member of Parliament for Tottenham, David Lammy, tabled an amendment to the Localism Bill, which would have given councils new powers to control the number of betting shops on their high streets. Astonishingly, Mr Lammy’s amendment was defeated by Liberal Democrat and Conservative MPs. 221 Labour MPs voted for Mr Lammy’s amendment, which fulfilled a 2010 Manifesto pledge to empower communities to control betting shop numbers. 315 Liberal Democrat and Conservative MPs voted against the amendment, including the Member of Parliament for this constituency, Lynne Featherstone.

Betting shops have sadly become an increasingly familiar sight on Haringey’s high streets. For example, within walking distance, there are nine gambling premises in one 350 metre stretch of Harringay Green Lanes. We can, however, make a difference. In October 2012, in a successful campaign led by David Lammy, communities from across the borough rallied together in a concerted effort to successfully prevent a new betting shop opening on Green Lanes. Despite the fact that the incumbent MP Lynne Featherstone does not oppose the opening of new betting shops, we can still pressure the Licensing Committee of Haringey Council to reject planning permission for this site.

Please sign this petition to allow us to regain control of our high streets, and prevent predatory bookmakers from preying on our communities.