Connor Naismith MP has welcomed new Labour government plans to give local communities and councils greater control over new vape shops, betting shops and adult gaming centres on high streets across Crewe & Nantwich.
Under the proposals, the government intends to scrap the outdated “Aim to Permit” rule, making it easier for councils to reject new betting shops and 24-hour slot-machine venues where there are strong local concerns.
Vape shops would require planning permission, giving councils greater control over where they open and helping to stop them opening near schools. Adult gaming centres would also require planning permission under proposals due to come into effect at the start of next year.
The maximum length of closure orders will also double from six to 12 months, giving police and local authorities more time to investigate premises linked to organised crime, pursue prosecutions, and prevent rogue businesses reopening before investigations are complete.
Mr Naismith, the Labour MP for Crewe & Nantwich, said the changes could make a real difference locally by giving residents more influence over the businesses opening in their communities. He has raised high street regeneration repeatedly in Parliament and supported enforcement action in the constituency, including closure orders issued on four premises in Crewe last month following a joint operation between Cheshire Police and Cheshire East Trading Standards.
The announcement forms part of Labour’s wider plan to support responsible businesses, restore pride in local places and bring hope back to town centres, alongside measures to cap bus fares at £2 and cut business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues by 20 per cent from next year.
Connor Naismith MP said:
“Labour is taking action to crack down on vape & betting shops which have taken over our high streets. Venues with low social value should not be allowed to open up shop without approval from the local community. In Crewe & Nantwich, we saw 4 shops issued with closure orders last month following a joint operation between Cheshire Police and Cheshire East Trading Standards.
“Today’s announcement means councils will also have greater powers to stop them setting up shop in the first place.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:
“For many people, the high streets they grew up with have been hollowed out and become unrecognisable over decades of decline. The rise of vape shops, betting shops and rogue operators have replaced the shops, services, and community spaces that people are crying out for.
“That’s not on. I said we would improve Britain’s high streets, and that’s exactly what we are starting to do. We’re putting communities back in control and giving local people a real say over what opens on their high street. Local councils will be given the powers they need to rein in unwanted shops and bring town centres back to life.
“High streets are the beating heart of local communities, but for too long Westminster has stood by while they have been in decline. This government is committed to restoring our high streets and bringing back hope across Britain.”
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said:
“People know when their high street isn’t working for them. Whether it’s the vape shop or betting shops that’s opened with no say from locals, the shopfront that’s seen better days, or the sense that nobody’s in control.
“These problems have built up over years, but this government won’t leave councils and communities powerless to crackdown on everyday eyesores that blight our high streets.
“That’s why we’re giving local leaders the power to say no to what doesn’t belong on their high street, and the tools to fix it themselves.”
Further details of the government’s plans are available from the BBC.
