Round the clock gambling venue plans rejected for second time

Merkur Slots opened on Frederick Street in early 2022, having initially been turned down by RMBC.

The council objected to the round-the-clock opening and the subsequent appeal was approved with operational hours of 8am to midnight.

Merkur made a new application this year to a 24-hour operation, saying the premises had operated since January 2022 without complaint.

Planning papers from the slots company said a precedent had already been set in the town centre, and its key customer base would benefit from the longer hours.

Their document added: “The evening/late-night customer base is predominantly shift workers looking to relax after evening shifts.”

But RMBC rejected the approach. A spokesperson said: “The council considers that a 24-hour operation would result in additional activity and general disturbance to local residents in an area where opening beyond midnight is not encouraged.”