Ollerton branch at risk as William Hill plans 700 store closures

An Ollerton store is at risk as William Hill plans to close 700 stores before the end of the year.

The bookie brand announced today that closures could lead to 4,500 job losses across the UK following a government decision to reduce the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBT).

A huge reduction in shops could see the end of the Ollerton store on Forest Road after the company reduced its maximum stakes to £2 in April. William Hill has reported "a significant fall" in its revenues since then.

In a statement, William Hill said it had seen a slump in revenues as a result of the guidance given from the government decision.

It added: "The group will look to apply voluntary redundancy and redeployment measures extensively and will be providing support to all colleagues throughout the process.

"Subject to the outcome of the consultation process, shop closures are likely to begin before the end of the year."

The betting giant which employs 12,500 staff across 2,300 shops foresaw possible closures in its annual March report, where it stated changes to FOBTs would decrease sales by up to £100 million a year.

It comes just days after other major bookies agreed on a deal to boost funding and support for gamblers - of whom the Gambling Commission state there are around 430,000 in the UK - to tackle the surge in betting addictions.

If you or anyone you know would like to find out more about the dangers of gambling addictions, please visit: www.gamcare.org.uk/