THE community has reacted with horror to the prospect of a new slot machine arcade opening.

THE community has reacted with horror to the prospect of a new slot machine arcade opening.

An application has been received to turn a shop in Junction Road, Archway, into a slot machine parlour. It follows a judge ruling that the Nag's Head pub in Holloway can become an arcade.

One campaigner has claimed the 40 slot machines proposed for the new venue could rake in £90,000 a week.

Kate Calvert, of the Better Archway Forum, said: "There are going to be more than 40 machines and each makes between £2,000 and £2,500 a week. It will take £90,000 out of local people's weekly income."

She also voiced concerns that a second generation of gaming machines - which have been called the "crack cocaine of gambling" because they are so addictive - may be used.

Local councillor Stefan Kasprzyk, a licensing expert, fears new "electronic gaming machines", which replicate a casino experience, could be used.

He said: "There is no reason why they could not be put there. Another arcade is inappropriate. It sucks money from the most vulnerable."

Labour councillor Janet Burgess said: "The last thing we need is a gambling hall in an area flooded with bookies."

Mary Gibson, headteacher of Yerbury School in Foxham Road, Archway, said: "It is not good for young people.