THE green light has been given to a betting shop in Barrow town centre.

The plan for a BoyleSports branch in Dalton Road was considered and approved by a meeting of the borough council's planning committee on Tuesday.

The store would occupy the site vacated by BrightHouse in 2020. 

Lee Otter, director of property and development at BoyleSports, told councillors the branch would contribute to the 'vitality' of the town centre 'by generating footfall'.

"The town centre is in need of regeneration, with a significant number of vacant units," he said.

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However, reservations were expressed over the suitability of a betting shop at the location in question.

Cllr Hazel Edwards said: "I'm very concerned about this.

"In all conscience, I can't vote for it, especially with the current financial situation and way people are struggling.

"We shouldn't be encouraging them to waste their money in this way."

Cllr Edwards said the shop would be 'adding to the demise' of Dalton Road.

Cllr Bill McEwan said he would prefer to see a different form of shop occupy the site, but did welcome the filling of a vacant unit.

"There's lots of empty shops and there's lots of vandalism taking place in the area," he said.

In a report produced ahead of Tuesday's meeting, case officer Adrian Adams said it was proposed the betting shop would be open seven days a week – including bank holidays – between 8am and 10pm.

"While these are longer hours than that of a traditional retail unit, it is considered that, whilst a betting office may be a busy place, the operation of the business would not generate an excessive level of noise or disruption within the general area," said Mr Adams.

"The application confirms that the proposal would result on average in an investment in excess of £200,000 and would create three full-time and three part-time jobs, together with some local supply chain benefits during the conversion phase.

"The proposal is considered to be a suitable town centre use that accords with both local and national planning policy."