A petition spearheaded by local MP Alison Hume against plans for a 24-hour casino in Whitby was presented to Parliament yesterday
It comes as a final decision on the plans is expected to be made tomorrow at the North Yorkshire Council Scarborough and Whitby Area Planning Committee.
The MP for Scarborough and Whitby launched the petition against a proposed adult gaming centre run by Luxury Leisure on Baxtergate, the site of Whitby's last remaining high street bank.
The Barclays branch will close in Whitby on 2nd May 2025, and the Halifax branch will close just 12 days later, leaving the town without a bank.
Speaking after presenting the petition to Parliament Alison Hume said,
“The loss of high street banks is a blow to many in my constituency who are older, frail or have disabilities, who value the human interaction and convenience of a counter service."
A temporary Shared Banking Hub – where each of the different banks can provide an in-person colleague service one day per week – has opened on Church St whilst permanent premises are found. However, the town’s MP has expressed concern about accessibility and parking.
Alison Hume said,
“Whilst I understand that planning officers do not want empty units, we cannot ignore the wishes of local residents who have made their feelings clear by sharing their objections and signing my petition.
“Perhaps the empty bank could be used for the permanent banking hub?
“I would like to thank everybody that has written to me, signed my petition, or stopped me in the street to share their view. Whilst my petition cannot stop the proposal, I sincerely hope that the decision makers at North Yorkshire Council take into account local concerns. Residents need banks, shops and services, not gambling dens.”
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