An MP has led a protest against plans for a new betting shop in Palmers Green.

Enfield Southgate MP David Burrowes joined traders and people living in the area on Friday to encourage people to object to proposals to convert the ground floor of Trios Banqueting in Green Lanes to a betting shop.

The Conservative politician, who held protest banners at the triangle in Green Lanes, said betting shops can bring disorder to the area, and called on Enfield Borough Council to do more to stop them from opening up.

He said people contact him claiming their families are afraid to walk down the street when people hang around causing trouble outside betting shops.

Mr Burrowes hopes the protest will encourage people to have their say about the proposals to open the bookies, while urging the council to apply for an article four direction – which could give the authority greater powers to stop new shops from opening.

He said: "There are just too many betting shops along Green Lanes. They have reached saturation levels and are diminishing the character of the high street.

“The council need to get some teeth when it comes to considering these applications and getting an article four direction would be a good start."