OWNERS of a shop premises in Tavistock town centre are seeking legal advice to try to stop it being turned into an amusement arcade. Leaseholder Linda Walker, who runs A-Scent- Sation in Brook Street. is intending to sell the lease to amusement arcade owners Harry and Clare Farr, who run gaming centres for the over 21s in Launceston and Bodmin. The move has shocked and outraged members of the community, who say the prime town centre location is totally unsuitable for this type of business. Malcolm Worth, whose father George owns the building, said they were both opposed to this use, but under the terms of the lease, Mrs Walker could sign over to the Farrs unless they had reasonable objections. 'Just objecting because we do not think it is right would probably not be enough,' said Mr Worth. Change of use of the building would be subject to planning permission and a gaming licence would also be required. Malcolm Worth confirmed he had received a letter from Mrs Walker's solicitors, asking for consent to this sale. 'My father has owned the business since the 1950s and it has always been a retail shop,' he said. 'The gaming centre in Launceston has considerable opening hours from 9.30am to 10.30pm and you have got to ask yourself whether this is appropriate for Tavistock town centre.' He said Mrs Walker had run the premises as a florist for about three years and he was surprised by her intentions: 'I know she has been trying to sell the lease but for someone who was involved in the "Save our Street Campaign" regarding the Sainsbury's proposal, an amusement arcade seemed an odd choice. 'We are not happy at all about this and are seeking legal advice over the matter,' he said. Chairman of Tavistock Chamber of Commerce Nigel Eadie said he would be strongly against an amusement arcade, which he said would 'bring nothing of any value to the high street'. He said: 'This location is a prime pitch and there is no way that planners should be granting change of use here. It would make no planning sense at all.' Borough and town councillor Mandy Govier said: 'I am shocked really — I do not feel it is a suitable location for this type of business.' District council ward member for Tavistock North Adam Bridgewater said he would certainly not be too impressed with an amusement arcade. Cllr Bridgewater said: 'It is in the wrong place for a start. Tavistock is a traditional market town — it is not a seaside town or Blackpool's Golden Mile and I do not think an amusement arcade would bring more people to Tavistock.' Cllr Bridgewater said there were many other things young people could be getting interested in, rather than gambling: 'A gambling emporium like this is not something I would support,' he said. Mrs Walker declined to speak to the Times and the Farrs were unavailable for comment. A spokesperson for West Devon Borough Council said no planning application had been submitted as yet so no comment could be made, but added that there was an argument for retaining retail use in that area. A town centre amusement arcade was allowed on appeal in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire this month after planning inspector Anthony Davison said the district council could not provide evidence as to what harm the arcade would cause to the character of the area. The application by Carey Leisure was turned down by the district council because it felt the town square location was inappropriate. The town council also branded the idea 'completely alien' when opposing the planning application last year, and claimed it was concerned it would attract anti- social behaviour.
