Yesterday Enfield Southgate MP David Burrowes led a small group of protesters campaigning against the opening of another betting shop on Green Lanes at Palmers Green Triangle. Mr Burrowes was joined by Costas Georgiou of the Green Lanes Business Association in opposing the conversion of disused premises into another bookmakers.

On this site we have discussed the growth of bookies in our neighbourhoods before. At present the local authority is powerless to prevent the proliferation of betting shops - except in exceptional circumstances such as adjacent to a school. Lets hope Mr Burrowes continues his campaign by persuading his Parliamentary colleague, Eric Pickles MP the Minister for Communities and Local Government, to pass legislation under his "localism" agenda which would allow local planning authorities to limit the number of betting shops on our high streets.

Photograph (C) Colin Younger - with thanks.