Golden Slots has withdrawn its application for an Adult Gaming Centre (AGC) at 39 Church Road (the old Barclays Bank), Spelthorne Borough Council has confirmed.

This is the second time this proposal has fallen at the hands of community opposition. The original application was refused by the Licensing Sub-Committee on 8 October 2025, following 133 valid objections. When Golden Slots reapplied seven months later, residents responded again, with 120 further valid objections submitted ahead of the 18 June 2026 deadline.

Spelthorne Borough Council has confirmed that while the applicant was aware of the number of objections received, they had not yet seen their content, this was scheduled for review the week they withdrew. We can't know for certain what drove their decision, but the timing speaks for itself.

⚖️ What happens now
The licensing process for this application is concluded and no further action will be taken. Should a new application be submitted in the future, residents will be formally notified, as required by law.

✊ Why we're keeping this petition open
This isn't the first time Ashford has won this fight, and experience tells us it may not be the last. We're keeping this petition live so that, if needed, this community can be ready to respond quickly again.

Thank you for standing with us, twice now, and for proving what Ashford can do when it speaks with one voice.

Let's keep Ashford a place for community.

With thanks,
Nik Urquhart
Ashford Residents Association