Peterborough City Council has refused planning permission for a new adult gaming centre at the former Wilko site in Hereward Cross Shopping Centre, a decision welcomed by local MP Andrew Pakes.
The council’s rejection, confirmed on 24 July, responds to growing community concerns about the proliferation of gambling and vaping outlets in the city. Residents and local groups warn that an overconcentration of such venues threatens the diversity of the high street, increases anti-social behaviour, and endangers the well-being of vulnerable people, as well as the long-term health of the city’s economy.
In recent months, several applications for new adult gaming centres have stirred public unease, prompting calls for stronger action to protect Peterborough’s city centre from becoming dominated by betting shops and arcades.
The council cited the potential harm to the vitality and viability of key shopping areas, including Broadway, and the increased perception of crime and public safety risks, as reasons for the refusal. The decision highlights concerns about the cumulative impact of adult gaming centres alongside existing betting and gambling establishments.
Andrew Pakes MP, who represents Peterborough, raised the issue directly with the Prime Minister in May, urging government reforms to give councils greater power to reject gambling venue applications. He is now part of a coalition of 30 councils and MPs campaigning for changes to gambling and planning laws.
“This is a welcome decision by the council to refuse this latest application,” said Pakes. “People are fed up with our streets being turned into the Wild West by gambling shops. I thank the council for taking a strong stand.
“Peterborough’s high street is suffering under the unchecked growth of betting shops and vape stores. We need the law changed so communities like ours can take back control and stop this decline.”
⭐️ New gambling shop blocked ⭐️
Peterborough City Council has turned down the application to turn the former Wilko store into a gambling & fruit machine place.
This is good news for the city. A huge thank you to everyone who has been in touch with me about it.
This decision… pic.twitter.com/m26rVLzEGT
— Andrew Pakes MP (@andrewpakes_) July 26, 2025
The city is estimated to have up to 5,000 people addicted to gambling, many hidden in online play, while visibly up to 40 arcades and betting shops are scattered across the city centre, especially along Broadway, Long Causeway, and Bridge Street.
Pakes criticised the past Conservative council’s handling of the city centre, saying: “This has been a wasted decade. We’ve lost flagship shops, the old market has gone, and the council seems more focused on hotels than tackling the root causes of decline.”
He urged the council to update its Local Plan to restrict the spread of gambling venues and called for increased police presence to make the city centre safer and more welcoming.
By comparison, Peterborough’s 183,000 population is served by around 40 betting shops and arcades, while Cambridge, with 123,000 residents, has only 18.
