Bookies slammed over pub hunt for punter witnesses
IF Ladbrokes bosses have their way, Hampstead High Street will never be the same again.
The firm wants to turn the former Alliance and Leicester Building Society in Hampstead High Street into a 2,200 sq ft bookmaker's shop.
Last week, three magistrates at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court listened to Ladbrokes' case.
Before the hearing, Ladbrokes hired a private investigator, Robert Bevan, who had 21 years' experience in the police.
Mr Bevan's brief was to drum up 10 so-called punter witnesses who would tell the court how Ladbrokes would be an asset to Hampstead.
The private investigator recruited the men by scouring Hampstead pubs, particularly the Flask and the Three Horseshoes.
One of the witnesses, Kenneth Walters, 71, of Monroe House, Fitzjohn's Avenue, said: "I met Mr Bevan in the local.
"We had a pint and got talking and he explained what was happening."
When asked outside the court if Mr Bevan had bought the drinks, he said: "I'm not answering that."
Ladbrokes refused to confirm or deny if the witnesses were paid to appear. A spokesman for the company said they would not comment until the magistrates had made their decision.
The law states that if witnesses fail to tell magistrates they were paid to give evidence, they can be held in contempt of court.
Although opposition to Ladbrokes has grown in the past six months, Camden Council planners made a decision about the building one year ago that paved the way for the firm's move.
Until February last year, the property could only be used as a building society.
The restriction dated back to the 1970s, when councils tried to control the mix of services in a shopping area - but in February 2004 Camden lifted this restriction.
The decision means the property can now be turned into a betting shop.
In October last year, Camden's development control services manager, Tim Cronin, told Glenda Jackson MP that the council could not maintain the restriction on the building's use.
He said in a letter: "A refusal to relax an historical restriction would only be supported by the Planning Inspectorate where a clear and unique reason for sustaining such a restriction could be justified."
But a spokesman for Camden Council said: "We are not aware of any discussions with Ladbrokes on any planning matters.
"Camden doesn't have a policy on whether bookies are situated near schools.
"Licensing them is the responsibility of the magistrates."
Locals are furious that Camden did not consult neighbouring businesses, schools or residents before making their decision.
Deborah Laing, whose five children have all been to Hampstead Parochial School in Holly Hill, said: "This is a prestige location in the heart of a conservation area, next to two primary schools.
"The map their [Ladbrokes'] surveyor produced in court missed out all the private schools in Fitzjohn's Avenue and Arkwright Road.
"There is a whole marketing strategy they didn't disclose to the court - all the windows will have adverts to draw people in.
"I am astonished at how little protection there is for the local community."
After the hearing, dentist Dr Nicholas Mikniche, who has led the protests against Ladbrokes, said: "They've picked up a few people in the pub.
"I am sure they are lovely characters, but we cannot be dictated to by 10 individuals who happen to like betting on horses."
marc.mullen@hamhigh.co.uk
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