A PLAN to replace an empty off-licence with a betting shop is being hotly opposed on the grounds that it might corrupt nearby students.
Coral's bid to open a bookie's around the corner from Coulsdon Sixth Form College has drawn protests that it might drag youngsters into dangerous gambling habits.
Several objectors have written to the council's licensing sub-committee to voice their concerns about the plans for No. 6 The Parade in Old Coulsdon, formerly an Oddbins wine store.
Students from the 1,500-capacity college congregate in the Parade for lunch and to catch the bus most weekdays, and one resident warned of the "real danger of enticing them".
Councillor Chris Wright is a governor at the college and among the objectors. He told the Advertiser: "I believe that we should do all we can to curb gambling habits and for someone to have the opportunity so young in life might mean that they will get locked into it and that will be a big mistake."
A nearby resident, whose name has been removed from a council report, wrote: "I realise that my moral objection to gambling will not carry any weight with the licensing department, but I am concerned that many children and students pass the shop on their way to and from school and college and will be influenced to believe that gambling is an acceptable activity."
Some college students, most of whom are aged 16 to 19, did not rule out that possibility when quizzed on Wednesday.
Health and Social Care student Billie Jay, 18, said it might attract male students, adding: "We play blackjack in the college and they are always betting."
Alex Costa, 16, said: "I would not be but I mean others might. I don't think anyone would be stupid enough to get addicted."
But Jasmine Russell, 18, said: "I don't think anyone would, really – I think it's maybe more [for] older guys. I don't think people going to this college would be into it."
The college has not lodged a formal objection, but a spokesman said it would hope to work with Coral to ensure it enforced the law banning under-18s from gambling.
She added that the college advised students on making "good life choices, which include not getting into debt".
The committee is due to meet on Tuesday to approve or reject the application. Greater London Assembly member Steve O'Connell has also weighed in on the side of the objectors.
Old Coulsdon already has one betting shop, in Lacey Green about a quarter of a mile from the proposed.
