Pressure from the people triumphed after campaigners sought for their agenda to be discussed at its original meeting after a change of date.

The Colindale Village Residents' Association (CVRA) were preparing to speak out against a new Paddy Power betting shop coming to their area at a Barnet Council planning meeting on September 28, but were shocked to find the item had been placed into the agenda for a meeting two weeks before its original date, cutting down their preparation time.

But representatives from have succeeded in getting the item returned from September 19 to September 28 through pressurising officials to keep their word.

Joey Skye, chairman of the CVRA, said: "It's a story not of Paddy Power but of People's Power.

"After at least 30 emails sent from the community it was communicated that the hearing had been put back to the 28th.

"The council had pressure to put back the planning hearing back to the original date after a whiplash of complaints from the community."

The group are protesting against another Paddy Power betting shop being put into Plot 299 in Colindale Avenue and have received support from their ward councillors in fighting against the new shop, holding protests to stop the shop from coming to Colindale.

Cllr Nagus Narenthira said: "This council has lost the confidence of thousands of residents who live in Pulse, Edition and Rhythm developments.

"The necessary facilities like a bookshop, clothes shop, a doctor's surgery, laundrette or salon are missing in this development while Paddy Power takes priority.

"Our only hope is that the planning committee will vote against the change of use and stop more people getting addicted in this development where young families live."

A Barnet Council spokesperson said: "The application has been withdrawn from the committee meeting on September 19 and will be considered at the subsequent committee meeting on September 28 which will provide residents more time to prepare for the meeting.

"The speakers, applicant and resident who emailed the council in regards to the committee meeting date have all been notified of the change."