Proposed 'Bingo Hall’ at 153-155 Uxbridge Road (by the Clock Tower)

In June Ealing Council told residents about a planning application to change the old Barclays Bank (then Domino's Pizza) in the heart of the Town Centre into a ‘slot machine’ bingo hall.

The Charity is committed to relieving need hardship and distress in Hanwell, which has areas among the most deprived in England. We felt that this proposal would run counter to these objectives and would worsen these problems. As a result, we objected to the application and are pleased to learn that Ealing Council has refused planning permission.

This arcade wouldn’t just offer the sort of modest prizes usual in Bingo Arcades, and the one-person machines to be used here wouldn’t have contributed to social cohesion. Instead, they would have encouraged individual isolation. This would neither enhance Hanwell Town Centre nor provide social functions for local needs, so we feel it would be neither needed, nor beneficial locally.

Gambling can cause serious problems, including addiction. People with little or no money to spare can often be tempted to risk their cash, even though the slot machine odds are against them. This increases poverty and serious distress, not only for the gambler but for innocent families and loved ones.

If the applicants appeal, we will not withdraw our comments. Our opposition will be presented to the Government’s Planning Inspector deciding any appeal, who must take note of what we say.