Council urged to rethink casino

Torbay's MP is concerned about an increase in crime and gambling

Councillors in Torbay have been asked to reconsider plans for a new casino.

Torbay District Council is currently looking for a suitable site after it was given government approval for its initial plans in January.

Mayor Nick Bye and the Torbay Development Agency (TDA) have welcomed the decision, saying it was good for investment and development.

But Torbay Civic Society and Adrian Sanders MP do not agree and want the council to reconsider.

Mr Sanders has said the casino would increase crime and gambling addiction, in exchange for a small increase in low-value jobs.

Ian Handford from the civic society said: "Our gross domestic value in this area is very low anyway so people have got very little money here.

"We're one of the poorest in the United Kingdom from an earning point of view so at that moment in time, why on earth would you put in another gambling establishment?"

Alan Denby from TDA said the scheme "recognised the potential for significant investment in the bay".