Windsor welcomes new gambling arcade for fruit machine fans

A gambling arcade has opened in the heart of Windsor.

It has been opened by Ricky Davidson after a long battle. 

But Ricky, 34, of Windsor Road in Oakley Green, has accused the Royal Borough of stifling enterprise, after he had to go over planning officers' heads.

He opened his new business called the Royal Flush in River Street this week - boasting 16 gaming machines offering the chance of a £500 jackpot.

But he only got permission after it was granted on appeal by a government inspector. Borough planning officers had decided the arcade would be out of keeping in Windsor's town centre conservation area.

Father-of-four Mr Davidson said: "They do not give you a chance. I'm a small businessman who has grown up in the Royal Borough, went to school here, lives here with his family and was trying to show a bit of initiative."

Responding to his accusation, a Royal Borough's spokewoman said: "Last year the council re-affirmed its continued commitment towards supporting small businesses, including the leisure sector."

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