Betfred blocked in Deptford

Deptford Dame reports that bookies Betfred have lost their appeal against Lewisham Council's decision not to let them open convert a former branch of Halifax in to a bookmaker. The Dame has chronicled the gradual spread of high street bookies in Deptford over recent years and says of this result:

This is excellent news for Deptford High Street, but I hope that this decision will also set a precedent for other areas which are experiencing similar levels of crime and disorder related to proliferation of betting shops. It seems to me that it should also have some resonance for the decision-making process relating to licensing of betting shops - where potential impact on crime and disorder are supposed to be considered.

Meanwhile, Monkeyboy points out that the Guardian's forecasting a resurgence of high street butchery. Could butchers be the new betting shops? Not really, but independent businesses that offer quality, expertise and local engagement have a bright future on London's high streets, so long as they can find a point of difference to compete with the chains.