Although a report on prospective alternative regeneration to supercasinos, commissioned by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, was to be given this autumn it will now be next year before Parliament hears the review. The Manchester Evening News says that a government inter-departmental working group has met three times since July and has consulted various official bodies, including councillors from Manchester and Blackpool.

The jubilation felt in Manchester after the Casino Advisory Panel decision to choose it for the one supercasino (regional) licence quickly turned to disbelief and anger when the city was told that its investment in the licensing process for a supercasino would bring no return – the rules were being rewritten and Manchester was unlikely to gain its expected regeneration from thousands of jobs and millions of pounds in investment funds.

It is not only the supercasino licence that has stalled. As the government would not split the Parliamentary vote on the new licences, the 8 large casinos and 8 small casinos are also facing uncertainty. These projects cannot begin until the review has been considered and a new vote taken. Around the country 16 town and city councils are waiting for the green light. The 17th, Manchester, so far sees nothing ahead but red. (E-12.21.07)

© Copyright 2007 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage