Liberal Democrat councillors in Crouch End have welcomed the decision by Haringey Council’s Planning Department to refuse permission for a retail unit to change to a betting shop in Crouch End Broadway.

Lib Dem councillors Ron Aitken and David Winskill wrote to object to the change of use and highlighted their concerns over the dwindling numbers of shops in Crouch End.

Cllr Ron Aitken comments:

“We are pleased that our objections were listened to. Crouch End has already lost several retail outlets over the past couple of years and we hope that this marks an end to others changing.”

Cllr David Winskill added:

“Crouch End is up against some pretty stiff competition form large shopping centres and out of town operators. It makes environmental sense to keep shoppers in the area but to do this we need a comprehensive retail offering. This will help.”