There was a time when the local bookie was a staple in most towns and suburbs around the country. The likes of a newsagent, a post office and a bank were ever present and, for better or worse, more often than not so was a small shop with “turf accountant” on the window along with an image of a horse race or greyhounds.
Those days are fast receding into history. The big banks’ step back from the high street has been well documented and bookmakers are following the same pattern.
Paddy Power said this week it is considering shutting another 100 or so shops across the UK and Ireland.
