BETTING shops have been taking a gamble on Cheltenham.
The town centre has seen the opening of Paddy Power in the last few weeks while William Hill opened the doors to its new premises yesterday.
Channel 4 Racing presenter Derek 'Tommo' Thompson was on hand for the grand opening.
The new shop, which has been relocated from the corner of Albion Street to a larger unit on Winchcombe Street, includes an innovative video wall - the only one in the country.
It is part of the chain's introduction of new technology into its shops.
Bosses said the town had a special place for racing fans given the history at Cheltenham Racecourse.
William Hill spokesman Jennie Prest said: "Cheltenham is a special place for all racing fans so it was important to launch our new shop with a bang.
"It was great for all our customers to meet Tommo and a good opportunity for everyone to view our shop and see the fantastic video wall."
But fears have been raised that the growing number of bookmakers could be putting temptation into the path of people who can ill afford them.
Councillors have now agreed to look more closely at the issue to see if they can limit the number in Cheltenham.
Concerns were aired during a meeting of the borough council on Monday when the authority adopted the statement of principles for the Gambling Act 2005.
The statement has to be approved every three years to help the council decide matters of licensing.
Councillor Anne Regan (C, Warden Hill) warned there was a danger the shops would encourage people on low incomes to try to increase what little money they had through gambling.
"Because of the present financial restraints people are under, I am worried," she said. "It is a temptation for people who desperately need money.
Councillor Peter Jefferies (LD, Springbank), cabinet member for housing and safety, said measures were already in place to ensure some degree of protection to vulnerable people.
But he said it was something the council needed to look into.
"On the one hand, the council is the authority issuing the licences," he added. "On the other hand, we have to remember we have a social conscience and look at the effect this can have on residents."
