Green Party opposes Betfred opening in Scunthorpe

Betfred’s plans to open a betting shop in Ashby’s Broadway Center (Scunthorpe) have come under fire from the UK Green Party.

The Green Party, supported by the Campaign for Fairer Gambling and local retailers has opposed Betfred’s proposed plans of opening a third bookmaker on Ashby commercial shopping centre.

The protesters believe that a third betting shop would be detrimental to commercial business impacting non betting trade, in the area.

The party further detailed that Scunthorpe council should move to promote new commerce in its vacant unit, before considering the opening of a third betting shop in Ashby.

Rick Taylor Green Party Representative commented : “There are already several betting shops in Ashby. Two of which are only doors away from this proposed shop.

“By granting this application it will drastically change the overall character of the area and damage the diversity of business. We do not see that there is the necessary demand for another betting shop within such a small radius

Betfred management has countered the concerns raised, by stating that it believes there is sufficient demand for a third bookmaker in the area, and that its shop opening would create new jobs within Scunthorpe”.