TWENTY-EIGHT letters of objection have been sent to Teesside licensing magistrates about plans by Ladbrokes to gain a betting licence for a shop in Station Street, Saltburn.

A court official said the application would be heard in Guisborough on April 19.

Objectors had been told it was advisable for them to attend the hearing "so that the court may hear your objections".

The application might be heard in either the morning or afternoon. or may even be adjourned depending on the committees' other business, said the official.

Ladbrokes have also put in a planning application to Redcar and Cleveland Council for permission to change the use of the shop from a newsagents to a betting shop.

No details of the application have been given except for change of use.

A planning department official said three weeks were being allowed for the public to comment. If more than five objections were received, the planning committee would have to made a decision otherwise it would be decided without going to the committee.

Critics have said the shop - currently owned by Kings the newsagents - was in a prominent retail position at the corner of Station Street and Windsor Road and a betting shop would not be in keeping with "the ethos of a Victorian seaside resort".

There are also fears that a gambling outlet might contribute to trouble among young people in the town centre.

Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council is also to be asked for its views.