MP Gareth Snell welcomes Labour plans to breathe new life into Stoke-on-Trent’s high streets with crackdown on vape shops

MP Gareth Snell welcomes Labour plans to breathe new life into Stoke-on-Trent’s high streets with crackdown on vape shops

Local communities will have a greater say over new vape shops, betting shops and adult gaming centres under plans announced by the Labour Government.

Gareth Snell, Labour and Co-operative MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, has welcomed new measures to put local people and councils back in control of their high streets.

The Labour Government intends to scrap the outdated “Aim to Permit” rule when dealing with planning applications for High Streets. Vape shops would also require planning permission, giving councils greater control over where they open and to stop them opening near schools.

The maximum length of Closure Orders will also double from six to 12 months, giving police and local authorities more time to investigate premises linked to organised crime, pursue prosecutions, and prevent rogue businesses – from illegal vape shops, and dodgy barber shops – reopening before investigations are complete.

The changes could make a real difference to high streets across Stoke-on-Trent by giving local people more influence over the businesses opening in their communities.

The Conservatives failed to back Britain’s high streets and over 14 years they left many communities with empty shops and declining town centres. With Andy Burnham’s leadership, the Labour Government is doing things differently – taking power out of Westminster and putting it into the hands of local communities.

The measures are part of Labour’s wider plan to support responsible businesses, restore pride in local places and bring hope back to town centres.

Gareth said: “Time and again, local people have told me how dodgy vape shops and rogue businesses have blighted our high streets and damaged pride in our town centres.

“Labour has listened, which is why we are giving communities a real say over what opens locally and councils the powers they need to take action.

“Together, we can support good local businesses, breathe new life into our high streets and build a more hopeful future for Stoke-on-Trent.”