Casino Gloom

Yesterday, the government decided against plans to build the Las Vegas style, casino in east Manchester, following a review.

 Council leader Sir Richard Leese said: “he was really disappointed by the decision”, while Simon Ashley, liberal democrats leader, declared that Gordon Brown “sold Manchester out”.

According to Sir Richard, a regional casino would deliver around 3,500 new jobs for east Manchester, regarded as a deprived area. It would also bring millions of pounds in investment to the area. Less than three weeks ago, the city council said it would consider taking legal action if the government decided to axe the super-casino, a move Sir Richard has refused to rule out.

This was a speech made by Simon Ashley, council Lib Dem leader;
“We have put irrefutable evidence to the government that demonstrates a regional casino in a properly regulated environment can bring major benefits to an area like east Manchester."
“Gordon Brown has single-handedly stopped the creation of 3,000 jobs and £265m of investment in east Manchester. He has sold Manchester out.”

Angie Robinson, chief executive of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, also expressed her concern at the announcement and said she would like to know in what way Manchester would be compensated for this loss.