Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume spoke to Congress about plans to convert Halifax Bank from Baxtergate in Whitby into an adult arcade, due to be closed later this year.
The proposal by high-class leisure as an admiral has been challenged by more than 400 public people.
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“I know that residents want to deposit money somewhere, including local businesses, and withdraw it, rather than putting coins in slot machines,” Hume said during a Westminster Hall discussion. .
“It's true that (companies) will have to pay with their takeaway at the end of the day,” she said, and the planned closure of Halifax later this year marks the conclusion that “people will have to travel 19 miles to Scarborough.” He said it means “We must.” .
She added, “It is essential that local residents have the banks and services they desire for in order for High Street to survive and thrive.”
In submission to North Yorkshire Council, the company said that the adult arcade was “used by authentic town centres” and added to diversity and choice, and did not have a detrimental impact on retail activities. Ta.
Jacqueline Hogart, one of hundreds of local opponents, said: “This is not Las Vegas, it's a town full of character!
“I sincerely hope that these plans will not be approved as they go against Whitby's spirit. It is quite dangerous to encourage gambling.”
Luxury Leisure, part of the Novomatic Group, employs more than 2,000 staff in the UK and accounts for 22.5% of the UK's adult arcade market, making it a very experienced manager in this market. “It's.”
The application added, “There are no loud Amusement arcade equipment that attracts under 18 years of age and affects amenities,” adding, “the proposed 24-hour use ensures footprint into the town centre.” Ta.
Another opponent, Debbie Beforce, said: “The town should encourage more retail businesses to revive the centre, rather than an adult arcade that doesn't belong to the main retail boulevard.”
She added: “The council should help maintain the town's vital banking services.”
Speaking to Congress, Hume also raised “significant cuts” of bank hub topics and services.
She said: “This discussion is not about Whitby losing banking services that are open five days a week because of a bank hub that is only open a few hours a week.”
Local Democracy Reporting Services (LDRS) reached out to luxury leisure and its parent company Novomatic for comment, but did not receive a response.
North Yorkshire Council has not currently set a date to determine which applications will remain open for comments from members of the public.
Malton's Halifax branch is scheduled to close on April 8, 2025, but the company said it will provide it to community bankers to support its customers after it closes.
