THE UK's biggest high street bookmaker has revealed plans to open a betting shop in one of the Lake District's honeypot towns.

William Hill hopes to convert an empty shop at Ambleside's Market Place into a betting office, serving customers Monday to Sunday, 7am to 11pm.

Lakes Parish Council clerk Michael Johnson told the Gazette it would be the first bookmaker's shop in the entire parish as far as he was aware.

Parish councillors are to discuss the plans at their February 1 meeting, when strong opinions are expected to be voiced.

William Hill runs 2,371 bookies across the UK, more than one-quarter of the shops licensed by the Gambling Commission.

The company hopes to convert the former bookshop at Shoe Craft House, in Ambleside's conservation area, creating two full-time and five part-time jobs, including manager, cashiers and a cleaner.

According to plans lodged with the Lake District National Park Authority, a painted vinyl sign, air conditioning units and satellite dish would be added to the shop's exterior. Decorative pilasters and patterned glazing are to be kept.

William Hill's market research says there is "robust evidence" that its betting offices are "a destination in their own right" as well as boosting the vitality of town centres by increasing trade at other shops.

The company's website describes it as "a trusted and friendly face in the local community", with its local shops offering "a comfortable place to watch live racing, take part in daily Lotto draws and also play on our HD multi-screen gaming machines - all with a complimentary cup of tea or coffee".