Dozens of residents declared war on betting shops this weekend as they held a rally in Leytonstone.

Around 50 people gathered together in the High Road where Paddy Power is trying to open a sixth betting shop.

The 'Don't Gamble on Leytonstone Town Centre Rally' attracted people young and old who believe that the borough is ‘plagued’ by betting shops and associated anti-social behaviour.

Signatures were collected for the 'Leytonstone Declaration on Betting Shops'.

The declaration calls on those in power to make changes for the benefit of the borough.

Aims include new powers for council planning committees to locally decide on issues such as business ‘clustering’.

It also calls for betting shop premises to immediately revert to a 'retail' planning classification if they close.

Also, the declaration calls for a reduction of the maximum Fixed Odd Betting Terminal stake from £100 down to £2 and a reduction of FOBTs per shop to two.

Local Leytonstone Ward Cllr Clyde Loakes speaking at the rally said: "Yet again we have amassed over 800 signatures against the opening of Paddy Power- our 6th betting shop in Leytonstone Town Centre.

"But we know the odds are stacked against us when it comes to fighting the betting shop industry, as they continue their arms race mentality in our town centres.

“Our declaration is timed to influence candidates who will be fighting to represent Leytonstone at the General Election, to ensure they know just how strongly residents feel on this matter, whilst giving them the policy solutions to implement much needed change in both planning and licensing legislation, to support local residents."

Paddy Power's application for 620 High Rd, Leytonstone goes to the Councils Licensing Committee on Monday.