By Chris Gee

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Plans for a new 24-hour opening bingo and all-night slot machine venue have been rejected. German company Merkur Slots has appealed the planning refusal to open what it describes as a ‘high street adult gaming centre’ on Newport Street in Bolton town centre with round the clock opening hours, seven days a week. The firm planned to occupy the currently vacant shop unit which for several years housed the town’s Bonmarche store. A planning officer report outlined the reasons for refusal of the application. To see planning applications; traffic and road diversions and layout changes; and more, visit the Public Notices Portal HERE The town centre manager was quoted in the report. They said: “I do not support the proposed change of use from a prime retail unit to an adult gaming centre. “This type of use undermines the vibrancy and attractiveness of the town centre, which relies heavily on a diverse mix of retail and hospitality to draw footfall and support surrounding businesses. “Newport Street already has a disproportionately high number of adult gambling establishments. Allowing another would further erode the retail character of this key area and risk creating a clustering effect that deters families and shoppers. “The request for 24-hour operation is also of significant concern. We must prioritise uses that enhance the environment, support a balanced economy, and contribute positively to the town centre experience. “This proposal does not align with those goals.” Merkur Slots said that if the change of use planning permission had been granted, the business would employ up to 12 full-time staff. Supporting documents for the proposal claimed the venue, which provides electronic bingo tablets for players, would provide benefits to the town’s high street. The statement added that adult gaming centres ‘are often, unfortunately, put into the same category as betting shops’. It said: “Public concerns surrounding betting shops were largely due to the presence of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs).” “Our venues do not operate these types of machines. Our machines offer low stakes ranging from 10p to a maximum of £2. “Our centres are where people come to spend their spare change, have a game of bingo and enjoy their favourite pastime in convenient locations.” The planning report said there are currently 45 retail units with a frontage on the section of Newport Street. Three of these units are currently occupied by other adult gaming centres while a further to two are betting shops. This represents approximately 11pc of the retail units and the addition of a further gaming centre would take this to 13pc. The unit is also one of the widest on the section of Newport Street. The report said that if approved, it would be next door to an existing betting shop and directly opposite to another gaming centre. Last year, a spokesman for the Local Government Association, said: “Problem gambling can lead to spiralling debt, homelessness, and relationship breakdowns. Sign up to the MEN Politics newsletter Due North here “Councils have long called for more legal powers to approve or reject applications for new gambling premises, especially when there is a proliferation in a small area or on a single street.” The planning appeal will be deliberated on in the coming weeks.