Slots shop withdraws plans

Controversial plans to open a slot machine arcade for 24-hours a day have been withdrawn.
Merkur Slots, in Hall Place, Spalding, had applied to South Holland District Council for a change of conditions which would see the venue open 24-7.
The application was made at the end of July but has now been withdrawn by the applicant.
The company has said that the reason opening hours had been restricted to 7am to midnight and 10pm on Sunday, was because the site was in a quiet street with low background noise.
“There is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the town has a late-night culture.”
The company had also commissioned a noise report by a specialist company to support its application.
“There is no noticeable transmission of noise from the current operation of the adult gaming centre to the nearest residential property,” it said.
The assessment added that the site was suitable for 24-hour operation, which other Merkur Slots already had.
The paperwork also pointed out that Merkur are ‘smart, well-run establishments which do not give rise to problems.”
The application’s supporting documentation reinforced the company’s view as to why the condition should be removed.
“Merkur Adult Gaming Centres are well-run premises, that do not attract and/or demonstrate noise impacts and disturbance that would in-turn affect the character of an area,” said the letter.
The company moved into the former Dorothy Perkins shop after winning a planning appeal in June last year when the district council had refused the plans.
It withdrew the application in August.