LIB DEMS SAY NO TO 24 HOUR GAMBLING IN THE CRYSTAL PALACE TRIANGLE

Liberal Democrats in Crystal Palace & Upper Norwood have reacted angrily to plans for the Admiral Adult Gaming Centre on Westow Hill in the Triangle to open for 24 hours a day. Admiral have applied to Croydon Council to vary their opening hours and the number of staff on the premises - currently the Centre opens from 9am to 11pm each day.

Cllr Claire Bonham, Liberal Democrat councillor for Crystal Palace & Upper Norwood, said:

"I am firmly against 24 hour gambling in the Triangle. There is simply no need for this premises to be open all night. Gambling can be a form of addiction, and has the potential to cause serious harm to vulnerable people in our community. I've launched a petition against the application and would urge people in the local community to sign it and tell Admiral that we do not want 24 hour gambling in our town centre.

Lib Dem campaigner Yusuf Osman added:

"Addiction is a social disease with huge consequences for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. Opening for 24 hours a day just makes it more likely that people already in financial distress will get themselves into even more debt. Extending opening times will also have a negative impact on the people who live above and around this establishment.

Croydon Council should turn down this application and protect local people in Crystal Palace - residents can comment on the application until Monday 2nd March."