More than 1,000 punters have signed a petition backing a bookies' move to a new base just half a mile down the road.
Steve Harris, of Premier Racing, operates out of the Broadway in Jaywick but he wants to take his small, family-run business to a shop in Tudor Parade, which is currently a newsagent.
Nearby residents have started a campaign to fight the move and a licence hearing will be held at Colchester Magistrates' Court on July 4.
Yvonne Cullen got up a petition on behalf of people who want to stop the change,but Mr Harris has his own petition, which has been signed by customers and has also been put in other shops in Jaywick.
"So far, we have more than 1,000 signatures from people who are supporting us," he said.
Mr Harris said he disputed the worries of residents who were complaining about noise, pollution, litter and excess traffic if he was to go to Tudor Parade.
"No noise emanates to the exterior of our premises. Betting slips are disposed of inside the premises in the bins provided or taken home to await results," he added.
He said the reason for his move is that his lease at Broadway had expired and would not be renewed.
Published Friday, June 20, 2003
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