Hello everyone,

We have some frustrating news — but we’re not done fighting.

The Planning Inspector has officially overturned the council’s decision and granted planning permission for the Adult Gaming Centre (AGC) at the old Barclays Bank site in Ashford.

Despite strong objections from residents, businesses, and community leaders, the Inspector has rubber-stamped the appeal, choosing to kick concerns about crime, antisocial behaviour, and community harm down the road to the next stage — the gambling licence.

In short:

They’ve approved the building change, but they haven’t approved the gambling licence — yet.

And that’s where we come in.

✅ They CANNOT open without a gambling licence.

✅ Licensing MUST consider crime prevention, public safety, and protecting vulnerable people — the very issues they have conveniently ignored so far.

We will be ready.

As soon as the licence application is submitted, we will be calling on YOU — every resident, every business owner, every supporter — to object loudly and clearly.

The council will have to listen. Numbers matter. Your voice matters.

Ashford doesn’t need another place to exploit vulnerable people.

We need businesses that build up our community, not bleed it dry.

We’ll keep you updated with exactly how to object and when — stay tuned.

This fight is far from over.

Thank you for standing with us — we are stronger together.