Paddy Power lawyers have been branded arrogant by the deputy leader of Waltham Forest council, as the betting giant seeks to overturn a decision to block it opening another branch.

The company is today appealing against a decision by the council's planning committee to not allow a change of use at 620 High Road, Leytonstone, in bid to open the sixth betting shop in the street. 

Paddy Power was granted a premises licence  in October despite more than 1,200 people signing  a petition against the move.

Leytonstone ward councillor and deputy leader, Clyde Loakes, who spearheaded the campaign, is attending the appeal hearing today at Waltham Forest town hall.

He tweeted: "The level of arrogance and dismissive nature of 'residents' concerns is astounding by Paddy Power Legal Team."

"They've just accused 'politicians' of creating [the] loan shark and betting shop issue."