Whitby council to decide on 24-hour gaming center amid heavy opposition and support after bank conversion.
This adult gaming spot wants to be on Baxtergate. That’s where the last bank used to be. The council planning group, not officers, will make the call. No meeting date is set yet. A council member, Neil Swannick, stepped in.
He thinks 24-hour use is bad. He fears noise bothers residents and holiday visitors near Baxtergate.
The gaming company, Luxury Leisure, sent an application. They said it would bring people downtown after store hours. It adds variety to the area. More than 500 people complained about the plan.
Only six locals sent letters of support. Some think it isn’t right for Whitby. Others see it as good for business.
Reporters asked the owner for their thoughts, but got nothing. Luxury Leisure said their games aren’t noisy. They don’t attract kids and respect the area.
Luxury Leisure thinks it boosts the town center. However, Swannick disagrees about the local economy. He thinks the gaming place looks bad. It distracts from a popular shopping street.