A new betting shop that could be approved in Archway has got a 1,000 strong residents’ group hot under the collar.

The Better Archway Forum, based in Hargrave Park Community School, Bredgar Road, have objected to a planning application to turn a gambling arcade on Junction Road into a betting shop.

The group have been joined by Cllr Janet Burgess, who represents Junction ward, in opposing the application.

They would prefer a cafe or a delicatessen and are concerned about anti-social behaviour.

The Better Archway Forum conducted a customer count of the premises when it was previously operating and found just 10 customers using the business in 13-and-a-half hours on a Friday.

A spokesman for the group said: “Given the low levels of custom it is not clear how they can be profitable. Even more puzzling is how such businesses are able to spend thousands at appeal.”

Cllr Burgess said: “It’s such a shame that it couldn’t be some kind of retail.

“They’re are too many betting shops, they are everywhere. There is a lot of deprivation in this area and we know the people more likely to go into betting shops are normally those who can’t afford to waste a few quid.”