Tonight there will be a public meeting on the issue of Sheffield’s bid to host Britain’s first super casino. The Victoria Hall in Norfolk Street will be the venue for the 7 pm debate arranged by a Green Party Sheffield councillor. Sheffield was recently named as one of eight local authorities shortlisted by the Casino Advisory Panel (CAP) as a possible regional casino host. Both supporters of and campaigners against the proposal are expected to be out in force.

South Africa’s Sun International has long been involved in Sheffield Council’s bid for the super casino, producing much of the background research used in support of the CAP application. The company hopes to build a £200 million casino resort complex in the Lower Don Valley area of the city. It has now revealed the results of a survey of local residents, which finds that only 33% would be against such a casino development.

Of more concern to people were problems of alcohol and drug abuse, anti-social behaviour, crime and health matters. Sun International maintains that a regional casino would bring substantial and sustainable regeneration to Sheffield. Apart from the proposed development by Sun International, there is a rival project for Sheffield United Football Club’s ground at Bramall Lane. CASE, a national campaign against a super casino in Britain, will be attending tonight’s meeting. (E-06.22.06)

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