An appeal lodged by Pure Gaming Ltd against Ealing Council’s decision to refuse proposals for a new bingo hall prompted a skilfully organised and co-ordinated hijack of the annual Christmas Tree lighting event in the town centre. According to reports, circa 100 people headed to the centre to protest the submission – how many assembled for the main Christmas event is not known.
Councillors had rejected the plans for the 24-hour venue after receiving 2,000 negative responses last month, however Pure Gaming invoked its right to appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.
“Opponents said a late-night gambling venue would add to existing concerns about safety, noise and crime, while offering little cultural or economic benefit to the community,” reported Ealing News.
That old dated argument has been trotted out by lazy protagonists for donkeys years where, in fact, the evidence up and down the country indicates the complete opposite. However, the newspaper continued stating that “many also argued that the proposal would create an overconcentration of gambling premises.”
“The developer has appealed the council’s refusal, triggering renewed campaigning from residents and local groups. Friday’s rally was organised to coincide with the town’s Christmas tree lighting, with campaigners calling on residents to ‘turn it into a massive rally’ to demonstrate the depth of opposition.”
Originally published on Coinslot on December 22, 2025. Republished with permission.