Residents of Norbury in Croydon are opposing plans to convert a former NatWest bank into an adult gaming centre, arguing the high street already has enough gambling venues. The proposal by Merkur Slots Ltd would add 41 slot machine terminals, more than doubling the current 31 in the area.
Community Protest and Concerns
On June 20, members of the Love Norbury community group gathered outside the former bank on London Road to protest the application. Deborah Bestwick, chair of Love Norbury, said: “The people of Norbury do not want this here. This is a residential shopping street; it is a thriving neighbourhood. This gambling centre would bring no benefit whatsoever.”
The proposed centre would operate 24 hours a day with no opening hours restrictions, requiring at least two staff members between 8pm and 6am. Residents worry about noise and loitering, as the main door is only 12 paces from flats on Semley Road.
Existing Gambling Presence
Norbury already has four gambling establishments within a few hundred yards of the proposed site, with additional betting terminals along London Road. Paloma Lacy from Love Norbury said: “There is enough of a gambling presence in Norbury. This is a family area.” She added: “Give me another vape shop, butcher, café—anything other than another gambling centre.”
A petition against the application has gathered over 1,000 signatures, citing concerns about antisocial behaviour, addiction, financial distress, and mental health issues. The petition notes that an adjacent Cash Exchange pawnbroker “creates an immediate and obvious route to fund gambling losses.”
Political Support and Legal Hurdles
Local councillor Leila Ben Hassell, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “A gaming centre has no place here. Such an establishment should be in a city centre instead.”
However, Deborah Bestwick acknowledged that Croydon Council’s powers to reject gambling applications are limited under the 2005 Gambling Act, which she says is “entirely in favour of the applicants.” The act allows councils to refuse only on grounds related to crime, public safety, nuisance, or child protection. Non-compliant rejections could lead to costly appeals.
New powers under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 allow councils to require Gambling Impact Assessments, but Merkur submitted its application before the act received Royal Assent on April 29, 2026, so Croydon cannot enforce this.
Planning Appeal and Banking Frustration
Croydon Council earlier rejected Merkur’s change-of-use plans for the site due to noise concerns, but Merkur is appealing to the Secretary of State. The deadline for objections to the appeal is July 6.
The closure of the NatWest branch in June 2024 left Norbury without a bank. Residents’ requests for a LINK banking hub have been rejected, with a spokesperson saying “Croydon and Streatham is close enough.” Residents now rely on the local Post Office for in-person banking.
A licensing hearing is scheduled for July 2. A Merkur spokesperson said: “We believe this is an excellent opportunity to bring this important site, a closed venue in the heart of the town centre, back into commercial use. Our application, if approved, will create new local jobs and represents much-needed investment in the high street at a challenging time.”
Residents are hopeful after Brent Council recently rejected a similar application in Willesden, citing proliferation of gambling sites and concerns over antisocial behaviour.
