Betting shop staff fear for safety following raids

Ladbrokes stores in Coronation Street and Whitegate Drive were targeted by a knife-wielding robber over the weekend.

And one staff member, who did not want to be identified, has raised concerns over workers being alone in stores which have been repeatedly attacked.

The Coronation Street store was also raided in November last year with Whitegate Drive targeted twice previously, in June 2015 and July 2014. The Church Street branch was hit in June 2015 with stores in Dickson Road and Talbot Road raided in May 2013 and April 2012 respectively.

One worked questioned the company’s commitment to safety.

He said: “You often have members of staff working on their own in the evenings.

“On this occasion there was a 72-year-old woman on her own in the store. After an incident things change for a while but you soon find you are back with lone working”

A Ladbrokes spokesman said: “The health and safety of our colleagues is a non-negotiable and we are committed to ensuring they receive proper protection while working.

“We are conducting a thorough review of the measures we have in place in this area.”

Luke Caddick, 25, of Lune Grove, Blackpool, has been charged with four counts of robbery, two counts of attempted robbery, aggravated vehicle taking, burglary and dangerous driving. A 16-year-old arrested at the same time has been bailed until May pending further enquiries.