NORTH Ayrshire Council will be given powers to tackle problem gambling after a Holyrood committee backed changes to planning rules.

Under new rules the Council, together with other councils in Scotland, will be able to block any change in premises to a betting shop, potentially avoiding the clustering of betting shops.

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan has led the initiative against the clustering of betting shops and fixed-odds betting terminals, which are connected to problem gambling and personal debt.

Mr McMillan said: “It is great news that local authorities will have the power to stop the clustering of betting shops in our communities, a practice which has disproportionately affected many of our most deprived communities.

“While plenty of people enjoy a casual flutter, the proliferation of betting offices – often concentrated together – has led to serious cases of problem gambling and debt.

“Councils will now have the power to set limits that work and prevent reckless clustering – a big step forward for local communities.”

SNP’s local spokesperson Councillor Marie Burns said: “It has been a frustration that we have had no planning control over the proliferation of betting shops appearing in high streets.

“I’m grateful to the Scottish Government and to Stuart McMillan for his work on this and for giving us the powers to tackle this serious issue”.

“Gambling addiction is a real problem in North Ayrshire and can have devastating consequences for families”.