AN amusement arcade planned for Horsforth would encourage young people to gamble, it was claimed this week.

Hundreds of residents have signed petitions and a local school and the town's civic society have already objected to the scheme proposed for a former accountancy office in Town Street.

They complain that young people would be encouraged to gather outside the building, and that it would be inappropriate in the residential area, close to schools.

But the applicant's agent has said children without adults would not be allowed in the slot machine arcade.

Councillor Chris Townsley (Lib Dem, Horsforth) said hundreds of people had complained about the arcade to him and petitions would be going to Leeds City Council.

"We need an amusement arcade like a hole in the head. The people of Horsforth just don't want it, it's not suitable for the village and would undoubtedly attract young people to congregate outside.

"The amusement arcade would also attract young people of 18 and over to gamble and in addition, the arcade would be in a residential area and near to schools which would not be suitable," said Coun Townsley.

And Sheila Barlow, secretary of Horsforth Civic Society said the society had written to the council's planning department against the proposed arcade which would be in a conservation area.

"It is felt that such an enterprise so close to a primary school and within easy reach of pupils from Horsforth School would be unacceptable," she said.

Christine Fenton, deputy head of Horsforth School in Lee Lane East, said the Parent Teacher Association had put together a letter to the council's planning department expressing concern about the proposal.

Alan Willey, head teacher of Horsforth St Margaret's CE (Controlled) Junior and Infant School, Town Street, Horsforth, did not wish to comment on the matter.

Coun Townsley said hundreds of residents had lodged objections to the plan.

Tony Brennan, of Anthony Joseph Associates of Altofts, agent for applicant, Mr R D'Arcy, said if the application was granted children not under supervision would not be allowed in the amusement arcade which would house slot machines.

He added the proposal also included an office and toilet facilties.

A spokesman for the council's planning department confirmed the premises had formerly been used by a firm of accountants.

"No decision has been made as yet with regard to the application," he said.

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