Hounslow Council’s leader is one of 35 heads of authority calling for urgent gambling law reform.

The group has written a joint letter to the government proposing a six-point plan.

It includes tougher licensing powers, a ban on gambling adverts and stricter regulation of gaming venues.

Plans to liberalise rules governing high street slot machine shops were shelved this week but the group wants further action.

Hounslow’s leader Shantanu Rajawat says, “this is about protecting vulnerable people, not banning gambling.”