Betting shop gets go-ahead

A London borough with 82 betting shops will have to make room for one more.

The bookmakers "Paddy Power" have won a legal battle against Newham Council over opening a new shop there. A court has today rejected the council's claims the move would attract crime and anti-social behaviour.

This report from Carolyn Sim.

A judge has today overturned a council decision that stooped a new betting shop from opening in Newham.

The council had rejected Paddy Power's license for the premises in February, saying it would attract crime and anti-social behaviour. It was also against the use of 'fixed odds' betting terminals.

Newham Council said escalation in betting shops on the capital's streets is attracting antisocial behaviour, and making them crime hotspots - but Paddy Power rejects this claim.

A judge has ruled in favour of allowing Paddy Power to open a new betting shop in Newham. It brings the total number of bookies in the borough to 82 - the second highest in the capital after Westminster.

A judge has allowed another betting shop to open in Newham today. Newham Council has been fighting another Paddy Power at Thames Magistrates Court after its licensing sub-committee refused a bid to take over premises in Upton Park.