David Lammy

FORMER deputy prime minister David Lammy has written to the licensing service to express his “grave concerns” over the proposed casino in Blackstock Road.

Plans for a 24/7 casino in the site of stationers “Fish and Cook” have been met with significant opposition from local residents in the area, which sits between Islington, Hackney and Haringey.

The MP, now a backbencher, published his letter online, arguing that the postcode of the proposed premises is already “problematic” and “inundated with anti-social behaviour”.

Mr Lammy said: “There is already a 24/7 casino just off the station, sat between four betting shops within a stone’s throw of each other.

“I strongly believe that another all-night gambling venue will increase noise, disruption and anti-social behaviour across the board and it will exacerbate existing issues in the area”.