Slough is a ‘prime target’ for betting companies a councillor has said as he appealed for more to be done to protect residents from gambling harm.

Dhruv Tomar called on Slough Borough Council to take action on what he called the ‘rising number of gambling establishments in the town’ at a meeting on Thursday, September 19.

He said: “Research has shown that gambling companies disproportionately target deprived areas where residents have lower incomes.

“These areas tend to have higher concentrations of betting shops and gambling outlets as residents in such areas may see gambling as an escape from financial difficulties.”

He added: “Slough being an area with mixed level of affluence and deprivation is a prime target for gambling companies – especially with online gambling – with high levels of income disparity and social inequality in Slough.”

Conservative councillor Tomar was speaking as he called on the council to review its licensing policies for gambling businesses and improve the gambling support it offers.

While there are four bookmakers in the whole of Windsor, there are as many as 18 in Slough – five of them on Slough High Street alone.

His call was backed by councillor Siobhan Dauti, who spoke of her experience living with a gambling addict.

She said: “My children went without, I struggled to pay bills and we lived on borrowed money and family generosity until I decided to move on.”

Councillors agreed unanimously to back the call for action, with Labour and Independent Group members suggesting that training also be given to councillors and partner organisations.