Fears over adult gambling centre plans put forward for Cleveleys high street

Cashino Gaming Ltd, trading as Merkur Slots, lodged plans on April 21 for to re-open in the former Coral betting shop premises on Victoria Road West, which has been empty since 2019.

The same company submitted an application to Blackpool council on the same date, to take over another empty former Coral premises on Abingdon Street in Blackpool town centre.

But the boss of a nearby amusement arcade is among those objecting to the proposed Cleveleys site - saying the gaming centre would not "fit in" with other businesses on the high street.

An application letter submitted to Wyre Council said: "The proposals for a new AGC (adult gaming centre) will bring this vacant unit, which is not currently contributing to the vitality and viability of the centre, back into active use.

"The unit will have an active shopfront, will be open during typical shopping hours, and will generate high levels of footfall and linked trips within the centre."

The gambling company, which provides "low stake slot machines" at its venues, currently has 162 AGCs in the UK.

Clifford White, owner of White Leisure, an amusements arcade on Victoria Road West, said: "Obviously as a seaside town, Cleveleys has a long tradition of amusements, and we have operated there ourselves for around 30 years happily alongside competitors and other offerings which facilitate gambling and leisure activities.

"We believe our establishment offers an inclusive welcome and a sense of community, valued by our customers. But we need some more positive stores opening on the high street - we need more retail."

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