Gaming centre backed despite fears over impact

Plans to turn a former shoe shop into an adult gaming centre (AGC) have been given the go-ahead despite concerns about the impact on "vulnerable" people.

Westmorland and Furness Council's planning committee for Barrow approved the scheme lodged by Luxury Leisure which would see the empty Shoe Zone building on the town's Dalton Road become an Admiral-operated venture.

Councillor Frank Cassidy, who represents Walney, said he welcomed premises being brought back into use but added he did not "want to see some of our poorer and vulnerable people become even poorer by losing their money on slot machines".

The applicant's agent, Fraser Tinsley, told the committee anyone gambling "irresponsibly" would be refused access.

The centre is set to operate between 07:00 and 02:00 after Cumbria Police opposed 24-hour opening.

The force said the revised hours were "more appropriate" and would help avoid issues with anti-social behaviour.

Cassidy told the meeting: "My question would be are there any measures within the gaming centre to keep an eye on punters to make sure they don't lose too much money?"

Mr Tinsley said that at any given time there would be three members of staff able to monitor activity via cameras from the central office area.

Admiral operates more than 280 centres across the UK, he told the committee.

According to the applicant, the centre would generate additional footfall in the town centre with survey data from other Admiral-operated sites suggesting visits contribute to the success of surrounding retailers.

The planning application said the former Shoe Zone building had been empty for more than a year and the proposed ACG would "sustain the use" of a High Street premises that was "at risk" of long-term vacancy.

However, the operator of Bailey's Amusements and Cafe on Dalton Road warned it would have to make redundancies if plans to convert the shop were given the go-ahead.

Barrow Town Council also objected to the proposals, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, saying they would be "detrimental" to the wellbeing of the area and its residents.

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