Campaigners are opposing proposals to expand a Sheffield city centre betting shop which is to be discussed by councillors on Tuesday.

The plan aim to extend the Bet Extra bookmarkers at 19 Market Place to include the neighbouring premises, but it has faced strong opposition.

In a letter to the council, the Licensing Manager at the Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership claimed: “It is equally crucial to prioritise the welfare of our residents, particularly those who may be at risk of gambling harm.

“The link between gambling harms and negative effects of suicide and affected others is well evidenced and documented.

“The location of the betting shop is in the vicinity of secondary school children travelling to and from at least two schools each day; there is therefore a heighted risk of exposing young people to gambling activity,”

The proposed betting shop is in close vicinity to sensitive locations, such as schools, hospitals and parks, as well as student accommodation.

Mr Ritchie, a representative for the charity Self and Gambling with Lives, believed that the application should be rejected due to the harm it would bring to the economy, the citizens of the city and the perception of the city.

“The development will not produce net economic benefits to the city, instead it will take more money out of poorer communities and concentrate wealth in the hands of a small number of owners.”

The licencing sub committee will meet consider the application on 27 February.