AN EX-BOOKMAKERS is set to be turned into an adult gaming, amusement and bingo centre – but plans to open 24 hours a day have been scrapped.

The conversion of the former Ladbroke’s in Deane Road into a Merkur Slots has now been given the green light by town hall planners at Bolton Council.

The owners of high street gambling arcade chain Cashino have also been granted a bingo premises licence by the local authority.

The proposed gambling establishment was originally expected to be open for 24 hours a day, seven days a week - causing some concern in the area.

But the applicant agreed to shorter hours, according to a council report.

It said: “The local planning authority entered into discussions with the applicant as it was felt that 24 hour use was not appropriate in this locality.

“The applicant agreed to condition the hours as 8am to 10pm in line with those recommended by Pollution Control.”

The planning application was submitted by British bingo, arcade gaming and gambling firm Praesepe in December 2019 proposing 24-hour opening times.

Talks of a trial period took place and it was subsequently suggested that opening hours would be 8am to midnight daily.

Rumworth councillor Ibrahim Adia requested that the application be decided by the planning committee due to the opening hours being “excessive” having a detrimental impact on neighbours.

But planning officers considered the matter resolved when the hours were shortened further and issued the decision under delegated powers.

One letter of objection was received by the council, complaining about noise, disturbance and inadequacy of parking in the street.

Concerns were also raised about the gambling establishment attracting crime to the area when it was discussed by the licensing sub-committee in March.

Representing Cashino Gaming Ltd at the town hall meeting, Richard Bradley said there was no evidence of crime or disorder in the area.

The premises licence was granted for the former betting shop in Deane Road to trade as Merkur Slots.

As well as bingo, there would also be other gambling machines available to use at the premises.

The new venue also promises to offer complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks and snacks, including re-heated finger food and dry snacks.

The gambling establishment will employ five full-time members of staff, according to the planning statement.