Crackdown on vape shops, bookmakers and amusement arcades will boost Dudley town centre, says MP

Giving councils more powers to control the number of betting shops and amusement arcades will help revitalise the high street, says a Black Country MP.

Sonia Kumar, MP for Dudley, said proposals announced by the Prime Minister this week would also give councils greater control over where vape shops opened, including the right to prevent them from opening near schools.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham this week said he intended to scrap the outdated ‘aim to permit’ rule, which would make it easier for councils to reject new betting shops and adult gaming centres where there were strong local concerns.

Under the plans, which are expected to come into force from the start of next year, vape shops and amusement arcades would require planning permission.

The maximum length of closure orders would 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, including illegal vape shops and other criminal operators, from reopening before investigations are complete.

Miss Kumar said the changes would make a real difference to Dudley town centre, as well as local high streets such as those in Sedgley and Gornal.

“For too long, residents have raised concerns about the increasing number of vape shops and gambling premises replacing the independent shops, cafés and community businesses that help town centres thrive,” she said.

“These reforms are designed to restore confidence in local high streets while supporting responsible businesses that contribute positively to their communities.”

She said Labour was seeking to back responsible businesses, restore pride in local places and breathe new life into Britain's high streets.

"Time and again, residents across Dudley have told me they want to see thriving high streets with a wider mix of independent businesses, cafés, community spaces and family-friendly shops, not endless rows of vape shops and gambling premises,” she said.

“Our town centres should be places people enjoy spending time in, where local businesses can succeed and families feel proud of where they live.”

She said the reforms would give local communities and Dudley Council a stronger say over what opened in the our high streets, helping to ensure future developments reflected the needs of local people rather than decisions imposed upon them.

"Alongside our wider work to regenerate Dudley town centre and support businesses across Sedgley and Gornal, this is another important step towards creating high streets that people can once again be proud of,” she said.

"For many people, the high streets they grew up with have been hollowed out and become unrecognisable over decades of decline.”

She said the rise of vape shops, betting shops and rogue operators had replaced the shops, services and community spaces that people wanted, and the council had been left powerless to stop it.

"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."

"People know when their high street isn't working for them. Whether it's the vape shop or betting shop that's opened with no say from locals, the shopfront that's seen better days, or the sense that nobody's in control.”