FIVE of the North’s councils have joined forces with scores of other towns and cities to prevent their High Streets becoming saturated with betting shops.

The unprecedented alliance is using a “localism” law to pile pressure on ministers to crack down on “unregulated casino-style gambling” on high-risk machines.

The town halls want ministers to reduce the maximum stakes on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs), from £100 a spin to just £2.

Dubbed the ‘crack cocaine’ of gambling, punters are able to pump £300 every minute into the video machines, which offer virtual versions of casino games such as roulette.

The campaign would also give English local authorities the same powers as Scotland is set to enjoy, to introduce:

* A “cumulative impact test” – allowing councils to reject applications for new betting shops where there are already existing clusters.

* Updated licensing laws – taking into account health issues associated with problem gambling and anti-social behaviour when considering applications.

Durham, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Stockton and Sunderland are among 93 local authorities – run by Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats – demanding action.

They are attempting to use the Sustainable Communities Act, which forces ministers to consider the request.

Even if they reject it, the Government must take part in talks with an appointed go-between, in this case the Local Government Association, to agree a compromise.

Councillor Bob Cook, the leader of Stockton Council, said: “Councils really do need stronger powers to restrict the number of bookmakers on high streets.

“High stakes betting machines can be highly addictive and can have a very harmful impact on vulnerable members of our community so this campaign has our full support.

“What’s more, we want Stockton Town Centre to be welcoming, enticing and bustling and, in order to create an attractive place to shop, work and visit, we need a wide range of retailers and businesses. Clusters of betting shops would distort this mix.”

Durham County Council said it did not have problems at present, but backed Newham Council – which is spearheading the bid – in trying to prevent any developing.

The London council says police officers are called to “an incident of crime or anti-social behaviour related to a betting shop every day”.

But the department of culture, media and sport suggested it would resist the attempt at a crackdown, which will be fought by the Association of British Bookmakers.

A spokesman said: “We believe that the measures the government is taking, combined with a mandatory and toughened code as well as more regular warning messages and breaks, are sufficient to improve player protection.”