A fierce debate has kicked off in Ball Hill, Coventry, after Merkur Slots proposed plans to operate their gambling venue around-the-clock. Readers of Coventry Live have been having their say on the plans in our comments section and on our Facebook page.

The slots arcade, which cost £200k to build and is located on Walsgrave Road in a former bank building, was only inaugurated last year and created 10 new jobs. However, it was stipulated that the venture would have limited public opening hours as part of their agreed planning permission.

One reader Ymee said: “I work in this industry, we have to check a register everyday of people who have registered to ban themselves from arcades etc, to stop them going into serious debt. It’s updated as soon as someone else applies,I have no idea how many are on it. Scary.”

Bobinder commented: “Merkur Slots should close this venue and reopen in and around Daventry road, I hear the semi affluent are very welcoming and have plenty to spend given they live in the Park lane and Mayfair of Coventry!”

Oscarlesco is against the plans: “Big NO. Too much gambling in this city already.”

Deleteme agreed: “Let’s help people lose even more money. Whatever happened to gamble responsibly, that this industry says its trying to help with?”

Ballhillcommunity said: “Ball Hill is one of the poorest parts of the City. All the Banks and Building societies left years ago and the area is rife with beggars, drug dealing and a magnet for shoplifters.”

Lordgodiva said: “NO!! On so many levels.”

Over on our Facebook page – Keith Wright joked: “I’ve always wanted to play bingo at 4 in the morning.”

Saffron D Toni said: “They knocked it down to rebuild it.” Rich Cortez wrote: “Miss the old Ball Hill & the community.”

Do you agree with 24-hour bingo/slots or not – let us know HERE or in the comments below?