A BID for yet another bookmaker’s shop in Greenock town centre has sensationally fallen at the final hurdle.

William Hill wanted to spend £200,000 changing a Kilblain Street laundrette, left, into a betting office but Inverclyde planning board turfed the application out yesterday.

The decision came despite the fact that the high street firm had already obtained a gambling licence, while planning officials had recommended that permission should be given.

Councillors said that the bookies would go against three key elements of the local plan for town centres.

They were in agreement that there was no demand for another betting shop, that it would have a detrimental effect the area, hamper existing businesses and have a negative impact on the ‘vitality and viability’ of other centres.

The application had attracted four objections, including one from a nearby betting shop owned by a rival chain.

Councillor James McColgan, who moved for refusal, said: “I don’t think it’s appropriate at all.

“I don’t think Kilblain Street needs another bookmakers and I don’t think the public wants another one.” The rest of the board agreed but stand-in chair Keith Brooks, deputising for the absent David Wilson, said: “I can’t say I particularly agree with this course of action.” The bookie bid plans have come under fire from politicians and locals who feel there are already too many places for people to go gambling.

William Hill was proposing to open the new outlet just two doors away from a Ladbrokes and less than a two-minute walk from another of its shops on Nicolson Street. The firm said the new shop would create six jobs.

It is understood the company will now appeal the decision.

A spokesman for the firm told the Tele: “We are disappointed as we thought the application was in line with policy and it was recommended for approval.

“We are now reviewing our options and we will share them as soon as we have made a decision.” Speaking after the meeting, planning board member and town centre councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess said: “I am glad that the planning board has thrown out this application, and I know residents will be as well.

“I am horrified at the idea of another bookies on a street where there are six properties within 100 metres.

“People I have spoken to are similarly aghast.

This simply cannot go on, where every few months another bookies opens up — enough is enough.”