Casino in the Market Place deemed tacky

There is growing concern about the impact a 24-hour casino would have on the Market Place in Newbury with one Councillor calling the idea 'tacky'.

Merkur Slots want to operate 24 hours a day and offer Newbury electronic gaming and amusement machines, including electronic bingo in the building that had been occupied by William Hill.

At a meeting of the planning committee at Newbury Town Council, Councillors agreed the new casino was not in keeping with their aspirations for the Market Place.

Cllr Marsh: "I think when you consider what you want to see the Market Place like, traffic free and a market that is beginning to thrive, I don't think we should be snobbish about it, it isn't appropriate for the area."

Cllr Foot added: "It's somewhat tacky and not what what we're trying to portray for the Market Place."

As well as Councillors from the Town Council objecting to the proposals, a petition has also been set up by local residents who are also against the idea. You can see the petition here.

A final decision will be made by West Berkshire Council in due course.