MINISTERS are threatening to destroy Britain’s high streets with a purge of betting shops, gambling bosses say.
They spoke out as Communities Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh unveiled plans to regenerate town centres.
She vowed to tackle “the proliferation of betting shops, ensuring our high streets “remain welcoming and diverse”.
The latest step in the Government’s so-called war on fun came as betting giant William Hill’s owner looks at shutting branches because of tax rises.
The country’s top taxpayers are reported to be Betfred bosses Fred and Peter Done, who paid an estimated £400million bill.
An industry source said: “On Sunday, Betfred’s founders are crowned the biggest taxpayers in the UK.
“Now, Labour wants to close betting shops.
“Profit’s a dirty word for this government.”
Grainne Hurst, boss of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “Bookies are a lifeline for Britain’s battered high streets, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and pouring nearly £1billion a year in tax into the economy.
“Around seven million people visit betting shops every year, and far from hurting the high street, almost nine in ten also pop into nearby shops and cafés, helping keep local businesses alive.
“With more than 2,300 betting shops shut in just five years, it’s snobby and out of touch to sneer at regulated bookies when our high streets are already losing trusted, well-run businesses that communities rely on.”
Ms Fahnbulleh said getting rid of betting shops was part of a £150million strategy to “breathe new life into town centres”.
