Bookies clears first hurdle
A betting shop could be opened in one of Bury St Edmunds town centre's most historic buildings.
The ground floor of the Grade I listed Market Cross, which has been empty since Woolwich closed in 2007, could be transformed into a Ladbrokes, bringing the number of bookmakers in the town centre to five - up from two 10 years ago.
On Tuesday, St Edmundsbury Borough Council's gambling act sub-committee approved a provisional statement for betting application, despite concerns raised by Bury Art Gallery, which occupies the building's first floor.
Alison Plumridge, art gallery director, said it worked extensively with children and vulnerable adults and was concerned they could be harmed by gambling or drift into Ladbrokes by mistake.
"The people we work with may not be able to make an informed decision about gambling," she told the committee.
"We're particularly concerned about them being exposed to the extensive promotion of gambling right across the three faces of Ladbrokes and them drifting into the gambling premises.
"We are not against gambling, but the business profile is not compatible with the use of the building."
Michael Messent, of Ladbrokes, said: "There are already a number of betting offices in your town centre and I hope that in this day and age betting shops won't be seen as something to be feared.
"It is fanciful to think in terms of these people (children and vulnerable adults) mistaking a Ladbrokes for an art gallery."
After the meeting, Ms Plumridge said she was very disappointed.
"We would like the ground floor to be let, but to somebody appropriate to the heart of the historic town," she said.
The Market Cross has foundations dating back to 1583 and was remodelled in 1779 by the celebrated architect Robert Adam.
Sarah Green, chairman of the Bury Society, said: "It is extremely sad to think part of this beautiful and important Robert Adam Grade I building could be used as a betting shop.
"The first hurdle in the licensing process now passed leaves one little doubt the town may well end up having a surfeit of betting shops."
She added that the society had objected to the proposed signage and satellite dish in the first Ladbrokes planning application, which was withdrawn last month.
John Abbott, Bury Society's planning officer, said: "It is such a lovely building we would have liked to see a classy shop or another bank in there."
A Ladbrokes spokesman said it would now apply for listed building consent and a full licence.
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Weather for Bury St Edmunds
Thursday 24 May 2012
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