Lambeth and Westminster Councils are joining forces with the local police constabulary in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour and criminal activity associated with illegal street gambling on Westminster Bridge.

During Sunday’s trip to the Farmer’s Market to buy some purple sprouted broccoli, the hardest bread in the world, and a cheeky sugar-free slice of cake I met a young kid playing with three plastic cups.

The boy placed a coin under one of the cups and then moved them about with the speed of a disabled sloth.

“What’s the bet?” I asked.