Council bets on casino resort bid

Blackpool's planned regeneration hinges on the casino

Plans to build a "super casino" in Blackpool have passed their first milestone, by getting the full backing of the local council.

Roy Fisher, Blackpool Council leader, said it was "one of the most important decisions the council will make".

The town is putting forward a bid to the Casino Advisory Panel for the UK's only super casino resort.

The council's "masterplan" for the resort's future has been backed by the North West Regional Development Agency.

A shortlist of locations for the casino resort will be put together by the end of year the before the government makes a final decision.

We firmly believe we will win this race - not just for the people who come to Blackpool, but the people who live in Blackpool Roy Fisher Council leader

Blackpool's case centres around a huge casino and conference "quarter", which the council says will create 20,000 jobs and generate £2bn of investment.

At Wednesday night's meeting, a total of 35 councillors voted in favour of the bid, with one abstention and none against.

Mr Fisher said: "This is one of the most important decisions this Council will make. It will be the catalyst for regeneration.

"There are a number of authorities that have expressed interest in a casino, and there's strong competition, but we have put forward a strong case.

"We were the first authority to put forward a case for a casino, and we firmly believe we will win this race - not just for the people who come to Blackpool but the people who live in Blackpool."