Conservative Councillor for Blackheath Westcombe ward, Geoff Brighty, submitted a petition to the last meeting of Greenwich Council. The petition which had over 350 signatures showed local residents and traders concerns over a new betting shop which is seeking to open along Old Dover Road.

Cllr Brighty (pictured right) said, "Blackheath Standard is a small but vital shopping parade; if another betting shop were to open it could push the shopping area into further decline. This petition shows just how strongly local people feel about this area".

17th August 2006