Thank you to everyone who has already signed and supported this campaign. Your voices have made a real difference and shown how much Ashford cares about its future.

We’ve now reached a critical stage: the application for a Gambling Premises Licence at 39 Church Road (the old Barclays Bank) is officially open.

This is our chance to stop the Adult Gaming Centre from opening — but the deadline for objections is Tuesday 27 August 2025 at 11:59pm.

❗ Important Clarification

Several objections already sent in have been refused because they did not meet the legal criteria. This has caused understandable confusion.

To be valid, your objection must:

1. Clearly relate to one or more of the licensing objectives (see below).
2. Include a statement of interest — for example, that you live in Ashford, work here, or regularly use the High Street and would be affected.
    

👉 If your original objection referred only to the Planning Inspector’s 9am–11pm decision, or if you didn’t include your connection to Ashford, it may have been rejected. Licensing is a separate process and cannot take planning matters into account.

If you’re unsure, the safest option is to re-submit your objection using one of the updated templates provided by the Ashford Residents Association.

🎯 What Counts as a Valid Objection

Your objection must focus on at least one of the following licensing objectives:

• Preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder, or being used to support crime.
• Ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way.
• Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

✅ Examples of valid concerns:

• Increased risk of crime and anti-social behaviour late at night.
• Risks to children and vulnerable people in Ashford’s High Street (schools, youth services, bus stops, care homes nearby).
• Ashford’s small high street being unsuited to 24/7 gambling compared with larger town centres.
   

❌ Invalid objections:

• General dislike of gambling.
• References to planning or the Planning Inspector’s decision.
• Vague complaints without linking to a licensing objective.
   

📥 Ready-Made Templates and Guides
 

The Ashford Residents Association (ARA) has produced a step-by-step guide and 5 ready-to-use objection templates. These make it quick and easy to write a valid objection.

📥 Download here:

👉 Ashford Residents Association Resources. https://ashfordra.co.uk/barclays-bank

📧 Where to Send Your Objection

Email: licensing@spelthorne.gov.uk

Online form: Spelthorne Council – Gambling Licence Representation

Post: Licensing Team, Spelthorne Borough Council, Knowle Green, Staines-upon-Thames, TW18 1XB

Remember to include your full name, address, and postcode — without these your objection will not be valid.

🕒 The Clock Is Ticking
We only have until 27 August 2025. Every valid objection counts.

This isn’t just about one application — it’s about protecting Ashford’s future, keeping our high street safe, and standing up for residents.

Together, we can stop this AGC.

Together, we can keep Ashford a place for community, not casinos.

✊ Please make your objection today and share this petition widely.

With Thanks,

Nik