Residents, businesses and a councillor came together to help put a stop to a betting shop opening in Barking.

The group, including Longbridge ward councillor Rocky Gill, ran a campaign opposing plans by high street chain Paddy Power PLC to open a shop in Faircross Parade, in Longbridge Road.

They argued that there were already too many bookmakers in the area.

After the initial planning application for change of building use was rejected by the council, the company took the case to appeal, but was unsuccessful.

The planning inspector dealing with the appeal ruled that to open the another betting shop in Faircross Parade would be damaging to the longer term vitality of the area.

Cllr Gill said: “There are simply too many betting shops in our area – so it is great news that after a concerted local campaign which gathered wide support, we were able to secure this positive decision by the planning inspector to the appeal by Paddy Power.”

He added: “We will now work hard with residents and with retailers to attract the right sort of retail outlet to what is a thriving shopping parade. That will help secure the viability of the area and help create new jobs.”