Evesham gambling shop Merkur Slots' plan to open 24 hours
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A TOWN centre gambling shop has asked for a rule change which will allow it to open 24 hours a day.
Merkur Slots, formerly known as Cashino, wants to extend the opening hours and its venue in Swan Lane in Evesham to 24 hours a day from the current closing time of midnight.
Wychavon District Council backed plans by Merkur Slots to open the new gaming centre in the empty offices in January 2021, with 8am to midnight opening hours, and the store opened its doors in November later that year.
Vale of Evesham Civic Society has objected to the plan saying it would “frighten” elderly residents who are set to move into retirement flats being built nearby in Swan Lane by Churchill Retirement Living.
The objection said: “No account of this introduction of new housing, for the over 55s, has been made in the assessment of the impact of the development. Elderly residents walking along Swan Lane are likely to be frightened by users of the adult gaming centre, at a time when the commercial units in the town should have closed.
“Bringing residential use back into the town centre has been going on in the town for many years as it has many advantages, leading to a significant population of residents in the centre. They all need protection from any risk of anti-social behaviour when out and about at night.”
A statement included with the application said: “Merkur Slots typically operate 24 hours therefore a midnight closing time is a very early closing time for a leisure use that relies on evening and night-time trade.
“Due to there being robust evidence justifying 24-hour opening at this location, [we] wish to remove [the] condition [which allows] 24-hour operation daily.
“The amendment sought will enable Merkur Slots’ key customer base to benefit from the offer and service provided by the adult gaming centre. The evening and late-night customer base is predominantly shift-workers looking to relax after evening shifts.
“There will be a member of staff available at all times to ensure customers respect the surrounding amenities of residents. Further, a benefit of 24-hour opening is that it provides natural surveillance through the night.”
You can have your say on the application by visiting the planning section of Wychavon District Council’s website.
The application number is W/22/02646/CU and consultation ends on February 2.
