Second Clocktower Rally to Take Place This Thursday

Hanwell residents increasingly hopeful of blocking 24 hour gaming venue

Protestors at the previous demo line up in front of the building where the slot casino is planned

August 28, 2025

A second public demonstration is planned for 6pm on Thursday (28 August), at Hanwell’s Clock Tower, as residents continue to oppose a planning application for a 24-hour gaming venue on Uxbridge Road. The rally follows a well-attended protest on 30 July, which drew over 100 people including Deirdre Costigan MP, local councillors, and former MP Steve Pound.

The proposed development, submitted by Pure Gaming Limited under application 252255FUL, seeks to convert the vacant unit at 153–155 Uxbridge Road—formerly a Domino’s Pizza—into a bingo hall operating around the clock. While the applicant describes the venue as contributing to Ealing’s night-time economy, opponents argue it is more accurately a slot-based adult gaming centre, raising concerns about its impact on the local high street and community wellbeing.

Residents have voiced fears that the venue could increase anti-social behaviour in an area where the Safer Neighbourhoods Team and community groups have worked hard to improve safety. Chants from the first rally included “Say it loud, say it clear, we don’t want casinos here,” reflecting strong local sentiment.

Since the initial protest, all three Hanwell ward councillors have submitted formal objections and requested that the application be referred to committee, allowing elected representatives to debate the proposal rather than it being decided under officer delegated powers. At last count, more than 1,900 public comments had been posted on Ealing Council’s planning portal—nearly all in opposition.

The rally also coincides with growing national scrutiny of adult gaming centres (AGCs), particularly in areas of socioeconomic vulnerability. MP Dawn Butler has announced a campaign to repeal the 2005 “Aim to Permit” legislation, which obliges councils to approve certain gambling-related applications unless specific legal grounds for refusal exist. She has launched a petition calling for reform, arguing that current rules leave communities with little recourse to challenge such developments.

Organisers of the rally say the goal is to maintain momentum and demonstrate continued opposition, giving councillors a clear mandate to represent residents’ concerns if the application reaches committee. Flyers advertising the event have been distributed to 2,000 households in Hanwell.

Despite the objections, planning officers could still approve the application without a committee vote, given the legal framework that makes refusal vulnerable to appeal. The outcome remains uncertain, but campaigners hope that sustained public pressure will influence the decision-making process.