Residents say no to bookmakers

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 8th Nov 2002

Castlereagh Alliance Councillor Michael Long has presented a petition of around 400 signatures to the Planning Service expressing opposition to plans for a bookmaker's shop at 43 Rosetta Road.

Cllr Long said he believes that the huge response by residents should help convince the Planning Service that the application should be refused.

Cllr Long said: "I was overwhelmed by the massive response to this petition, given that other groups were also collecting names. Quite clearly the people of Wynchurch and Rosetta are giving a resounding 'No' to this proposal.

"This application must be refused because of the potential negative impact on the residential area that a bookmakers is bound to have. In addition, the proximity of schools, the increase in traffic problems and the lack of parking at the site should mean that this application be refused.

"A similar application for the adjoining property was turned down in 1987 and it is to be hoped that this decision to refuse will be repeated this time around."