The reputation of high streets in North London has declined in the last year due to the increase of betting shops, local shop owners have said today.
On Holloway Road, many local businesses which were once small, family-run shops have turned into betting shops such as Paddy Power, William Hill, Ladbrokes and Coral.
“Enough” is the common word said by residents and local shop owners. According to them, the image of the road is turning bleak as betting shops become a popular attraction amongst people with “gambling, alcohol and drug issues – most of whom are also unemployed”.
Holloway Art and Stationers shop owner, Niku Chande, said: “Although this store has been running for over 67 years now, I can say that there has been a change of scenery during the last few years. Now on this road you can find more people looking for these betting shops and corner pubs than looking for stationary stores.
“We are experiencing a lack of local businesses and we are not very far from closing down in a few years time as ten shops have already closed here in North London.”
Businesses that do not fall under the arcade and gambling category have been particularly affected by the rise, but betting shop customers think differently.
John Buchanan, 68, said: “Listen, I don’t work anymore and to be honest I don’t have any interest in life. The only way I spend my time is meeting my pals at the pub in the morning and afterwards heading to gamble on anything.”
Solicitor and Holloway Road resident Victoria Bird, 44, does not agree with betting shops: “I must say it is unacceptable to see how many of them exist already on that street.
“I decided to move to this area, which is getting very ‘trendy’ I suppose, in order to meet with my lifestyle.
“As soon as I get the chance to leave my work, I attend the yoga classes on Holloway Road in an exclusive place where I have met very interesting people, including Kylie Minogue,” she said.
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