A BOOKMAKER has been given the go ahead to open just yards from a school in Mottingham, despite fierce objections from a former headteacher.

Today (March 5), Bromley Council approved an application from Ladbrokes to open a betting shop despite the local residents’ association writing a letter warning youngsters may be “exploited by gambling”.

Liz Keable, Mottingham Residents’ Association chairman, argued in her letter of objection: “The proposed premises are facing the junction leading to the entrance of Dorset Road Infant School and only a few metres from the main entrance.

“The premises would be open before and after extended school hours and into the evening when children are undertaking social activities.

“The long hours would serve to normalise the activities undertaken in the eyes of the children.”

Mrs Keable is the former headteacher of Dorset Road Infant School.

Her letter also warned “severe congestion” in the area already risks the safety of pupils and parents and extra traffic heading to the new bookies would increase the chance of an accident.

But licensing sub-committee councillors John Canvin, Tony Owen and Tim Stevens disagreed and gave the green light to Ladbrokes at a meeting this morning.

Solicitor Michael Messent represented Ladbrokes at the brief hearing. He told councillors: “The concerns of those who have sent representations are rather ill conceived.

“We are dealing here with a responsible company. There is nothing exceptional about this application.”

The new bookies in Mottingham Road will be open between 9am and 9.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 6pm on Sunday.

Councillors agreed its opening hours could be extended though, including on the day of the annual Grand National horse race.