THE betting firm Ladbrokes hopes to take over a shop in Saltburn, but objections are being lodged by individuals and groups.

The firm has put up a notice on the door of King's newsagents in Station Street saying that it has applied to Teesside magistrates for a betting licence.

A company spokesman said it had also put in a planning application to Redcar and Cleveland Council for permission to change the use of the shop.

Letters of protest have been written to both the court and council on the grounds that the shop is a prominent retail unit and a gambling outlet might contribute to trouble among young people in the town centre.

A community group is distributing the address of the licensing magistrates in Middlesbrough. The deadline for objections to be received by the court is today.

Comments on the planning application can be made over the next few weeks because the council will consult the public, including Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council, before considering it.

John Donaldson, pastor of the 20-member Evangelical church in Leven Street, Saltburn, is writing to the court on the grounds that a large betting shop presented "potential for gambling addiction".

"There are enough problems in Saltburn with drug and alcohol abuse, which are a cause of concern, without introducing gambling."

He also said a betting shop in Station Street would be not in keeping with the ethos of a Victorian seaside resort.

At present Ladbrokes runs a small shop in Saltburn's other main shopping street, Milton Street. This has facilities for betting on horse racing, and one gaming machine.

John King, owner of the newsagents' business and premises, which used to be the town's post office, declined to comment.

A spokesman at Ladbrokes' head office at Watford confirmed that applications had been made to the court and council.

Asked if gaming machines were planned, he said: "Until the applications are granted we would rather not say too much at the moment."

A planning official at Redcar and Cleveland Council said an approach had been made by Ladbrokes for permission to run a betting office in Station Street, but insufficient detail had been provided so far.

It is understood that if Ladbrokes get both a licence and planning permission, it would seek to buy the property, which has been on the market since 2003