Planning battle over new potential London Street ‘Cashino’

Plans to launch a new slot machine shop on London Street will soon be considered by Sefton Council.

The Praesepe Group have submitted a planning application to convert the former pay day loan shop at 22 London Street into an ‘Adult Gaming Centre’.

Praesepe is a subsidiary of the family run Gauselmann Group who are based in Germany. The group operates more than 700 venues across Europe.

Praesepe employs over 1,600 people in its 170 UK stores. The group says benefits could include increased footfall in the area, the creation of local jobs and ‘natural surveillance’ on the street.

But residents only have until Friday to comment on the public consultation of the plans.

Damien Moore has voiced his opposition to the plans saying: “I am disappointed to see proposals to open a new slot machine premises in Southport town centre.”

“A number of local businesses and local residents have already contacted me to share their concerns over these plans.

“Whilst people come to Southport to have a good time, there are more than enough slot gaming premises of this nature in Southport town centre already. We do not need any more.

“I am also concerned about the impact this may have on vulnerable people in our town.”