DEVIZES Chamber of Commerce is to object to a planning application from national bookmaker chain William Hill to open a bookies' shop at the former Pound and 50p shop in the Brittox.

Although the premises have been empty for more than a year, the chamber considers that it is not the sort of business that should be opening in the main shopping area of the town.

Chamber chairman Jo Batchelor said: "It is not a suitable place for a bookies and there are already two in the town centre. I don't think that Kennet District Council would support a change of use from a retail shop."

But the chamber has welcomed the outdoor clothing shop Millets opening at the former Hadleigh's china shop.

It is thought that Millets had bought a number of Hadleigh outlets. No planning application was necessary as there is no change of use involved.

Millets sells a wide range of outdoor clothing and camping equipment.