The possible link between the spread of betting shops and anti-social behaviour and crime, particularly violence and burglary, is to be discussed at two events in Colchester and Clacton next month.

Britain’s high streets have seen a significant increase in betting shops over the last five years and evidence is pointing to a link between betting shops and crime.

Concerns are growing that the recent spread of betting shops, money lenders and pawnbrokers is changing the face of neighbourhoods for the worse as small businesses and community groups are disappearing, followed shortly by the arrival of opportunistic organisations such as betting shops.

The University of Essex is organising two events where members of the public and other interested groups can discuss the issue and share their personal experiences and views on the ways betting shops impact their communities.

The events – at Firstsite in Colchester on Thursday 6 November from 4pm-6pm and Clacton Town Hall on Saturday 8 November from 12 noon to 2pm – have been organised as part of the Economic and Social Research Council’s (ESRC) Festival of Social Science.

Hosting the events will be Dr Neli Demireva, who is carrying out research into the impact of betting shops in communities.

“Most local residents view the recent spread of betting shops, money lenders and pawnbrokers along their high streets as a complete blight on the neighbourhood,” explained Dr Demireva. “The rise of these types of businesses, fuelled by the recession, is changing the face of their neighbourhoods for the worse. Residents claim that small businesses and community groups are disappearing followed shortly by the arrival of opportunistic organisations such as betting shops. That may not actually be what’s happening, but that’s how local people see it.”

The events are free, open to all, and free refreshments will be available. For more information please contact the University of Essex Communications Office on 01206 872400 or email: comms@essex.ac.uk.