A controversial planning application for a bingo hall at Archway has prompted a campaign by Islington Labour.
Developers have submitted an application to run high-stakes gambling at 35 Junction Road, but campaigners believe that if approved, the venue could have a devastating effect on the local area.
Councillor Janet Burgess, who is heading up the campaign, said: “There is a lot of depravation in the Archway area and having a bingo hall on the door-step will make people think they can win a lot of money, very quickly, when in reality they will be just throwing their cash away
“We are trying to regenerate the area and this obviously will not encourage regeneration.”
There are already nine gambling venues in Archway, which Ms Burgess says are “too many.”
Residents have also complained that the site of the planned bingo hall is close to several schools and a children’s centre.
“I am yet to find a single person who thinks it is a good idea,” said Ms Burgess.
The council will announce its decision on the application in the next eight weeks.
A source at the planning department said that the hall is very likely to be refused permission.
