A FIRM of bookmakers has added another outlet to its expanding chain despite attempts to block the move.

County Durham company Reuben Page overcame opposition from two national companies to win a licence for the new betting shop.

The approval by Durham magistrates' gaming panel means that punters in Peterlee, in the east of the county, will have a third betting shop from September.

Ladbrokes and Done bookmakers, which have existing premises in the town centre, opposed the application to convert the former Global Video store, in Hailsham Place.

Both companies said there was sufficient provision for local punters at their premises without the addition of a third outlet.

But Reuben Page co-owner David Archer said that trade had increased considerably since the abolition of betting tax in October 2001.

Latest figures given to the hearing showed that both Ladbrokes and Done had enjoyed increased turnover at their Peterlee premises.

Witnesses who enjoy a flutter told the hearing that a new shop would be convenient at the Hailsham Place end of the town centre, where a Wetherspoon's pub and bingo hall opened recently.

The area is also well served by parking and taxi facilities.

After deliberating for an hour and 40 minutes following the day-long hearing, magistrates granted the licence.

Panel chairwoman Patricia Baxter said market research appeared to suggest there was sufficient demand for an extra bookmaker in Peterlee, particularly given the increase in trade since the removal of betting tax.

After the hearing, Mr Archer's business partner, Austin Carney, said the Consett-based company planned to invest £60,000 in converting the Peterlee premises.

Mr Carney said conversion of the shop, the company's 34th, would begin almost immediately and include ensuring that the building was accessible to wheelchairs.

He said: "We're obviously delighted at the decision. We feel the boom in betting generated since betting tax was scrapped justifies a new betting shop in Peterlee and we'll certainly be offering customers the best in facilities."