tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808182390206566006.post3394155319256210841..comments2008-06-01T16:22:00.580+01:00Hackney Planning Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165330071035559535noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808182390206566006.post-67609007534299095662008-05-20T18:16:00.000+01:002008-05-20T18:16:00.000+01:00This is a note to alert you to the fact that the Mecca Bingo Hall in Hackney Road E2 is applying for a variation to its licence. The change to the licence will allow, in effect, the conversion of the main foyer into a slot machine arcade. Now, although this email is sent entirely in my private capacity as a local resident, I work in the crime sector and have serious professional concerns about the prospect of a slot arcade being permitted in Hackney Road.<BR/>I believe there is evidence to suggest that there is in some circumstances a visible correlation between gambling shops and certain crime patterns - especially anti-social behaviour, robbery, burglary and thefts from cars. It may be that patrons commit crimes to feed their gambling habit; it may just be that some gambling shops attract criminals; or it may be pure coincidence.<BR/>I believe that there are enough gambling venues in Hackney - almost every new shop seems to be a bookmakers. <BR/>While the Bingo Hall is an excellent and long-established social venue that allows people to meet and interact with their friends, a slot arcade is designed purely to separate people from their money as efficiently as possible. Placing this in a poor, socially deprived area is a shockingly cynical way for Rank to make a living.<BR/>The new licence will allow people to play slot machines from 9am, seven days a week; this will increase the hours of operation of the building and cause annoyance to local residents.<BR/>If Rank is proposing to use the Hall foyer for other purposes, I am sure that dozens of local residents could suggest alternative uses for the space. I don't believe we should allow a slot arcade in the area; if the space is available, let it be used for a real, sustainable business that will employ local people and improve the quality of life of people who live around here.<BR/>I know you are busy people; but I urge you to please write to the Licensing Authority and tell them that you oppose the plan. Closing date for comments is 29 May (Thursday week). The address is:<BR/><BR/>The Licensing Authority<BR/>Licensing Service<BR/>London Borough of Hackney<BR/>263 Mare Street<BR/>London <BR/>E8 3HT<BR/><BR/>Best wishes<BR/><BR/>DavidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808182390206566006.post-50085271465220465982008-01-26T10:23:00.000Z2008-01-26T10:23:00.000ZGood on you the Enforcement of Hackneys planning controls is laugable.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808182390206566006.post-140084800778414752007-11-11T10:56:00.000Z2007-11-11T10:56:00.000Zwhile friends are always great in helping with legal cases, legal aid is a huge advantage.<BR/><BR/>A council will always be able to brief top barristers to run even the most unattractive of their cases, leaving you and your volunteer swamped and, sorry to say it, outclassed.<BR/><BR/>With legal aid, hackney's barrister will have to deal with another of the same or even better class. Then there is the issue of costs- where again, your legally aided friend has the advantage.Krishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10634532301690071884noreply@blogger.com