Gambling charity Gamblers Anonymous has written to Swindon Borough Council asking for its support in publicising the group's work.

Councillors who sit on the council's Licensing Committee will have to debate and agree a new version of the council's statement of principles for approving licensing to gaming businesses.

It has to do so by law every three years.

The draft new policy says the authority "is aware and supports the work of Gamblers Anonymous in Swindon. They are a valuable source of information, help and assistance in relation to gambling addictions. "

One of the provisions is that children, and vulnerable people are protected from gambling, and its effects and suggests measures such as self-exclusion schemes and the provision of information for gambling charities.

The secretary of the Swindon branch of Gamblers Anonymous wrote to the council to say: "I would like to see the council implement the awareness of the existence of Gamblers Anonymous.

"We have A5 posters and information leaflets and a local mobile Swindon helpline number.

I have periodically given out posters and literature to doctors surgeries, libraries, etc. I feel better awareness of our existence will help anyone that wants it in the gambling establishments in Swindon - the internet and telephone gambling is another issue.

We can supply the necessary materials for these establishments in Swindon should this proposal be considered acceptable."

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