Greenwich residents have blasted plans for a new adult gaming centre, claiming the local high street is on a ‘downward spiral’.

Merkur Slots has put forward plans to open a new gambling centre in an empty retail unit on Eltham High Street.

Council documents said the new branch would be open for 24 hours a day and create 12 new full-time jobs.

The unit was previously occupied by a bank and has been empty since 2022.

The application received 62 objections from locals, with one concern claiming Eltham High Street was on a ‘downward spiral’.

Labour councillors Lauren Dingsdale and Sammy Backon said in an open letter to the authority’s planning department that they were ‘deeply concerned’ by the plans.

The councillors said in their letter: “Allowing planning permission for this premises would encourage vulnerable individuals to gamble more than they can afford. Gambling addiction is becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s society, and the Royal Borough should be protecting vulnerable individuals.”

Council officers said in response to the objections that the proposal was regarding one unit on the high street and wider trends within the town centre could not be considered.

They added that there were already three betting shops in Eltham Town Centre, which council officers considered not to be excessive and they felt the additional Merkur Slots branch would not result in any unacceptable impact on the amenity enjoyed by residents.

The application for the new adult gaming centre on Eltham High Street will be considered at a planning meeting for Greenwich Council on July 16.

An operational management plan was also reportedly included in the application, which claimed customers found loitering near the building would be asked to move on by staff.

It also said individuals deemed to be drunk would not be allowed to enter the space.

The plan said: “A notice will be placed that is visible from the exterior of the premises stating that drinking of alcohol directly outside the premises is forbidden and that those who do so will be banned from the premises. Customers will be reminded to respect neighbours when they leave.”