Regional news

Casino fear for small businesses

Mar 6 2006

By Robert Merrick, Daily Post

SMALL firms could be "knocked out" by big businesses if Southport wins the race to build a new "Las Vegas-style" casino, the town's MP has warned. John Pugh, a Liberal Democrat, said he feared claims that big casinos could breathe new life into towns and cities were exaggerated and misleading. Instead, he told MPs: "First, they are not necessary for regeneration and, secondly, even as vehicles for regeneration, they have mixed effects. "Yes, they create employment, but they also knock out many local businesses, which are replaced by big concerns." Story continues ADVERTISEMENT Dr Pugh also said he was mystified why a Labour government wanted to encourage more casinos, when the move would redistribute wealth from the poor to the rich. He was immediately accused of a U-turn after sitting on the Commons committee whose report cleared the way for the new casinos - an allegation he denied.. Dr Pugh's comments are likely to raise eyebrows at Sefton Borough Council, which is locked in a race - with Warrington and St Helens - to be the "casino capital" of Merseyside and North Cheshire. The three authorities have all told the Government they are interested in securing one of a limited number of money-spinning licences, with a decision due at the end of the year. A total of 30 councils are competing for eight licences for a "large" casino, with up to 150 gaming machines, or a further eight licences for a "small" casino, with a maximum of 80.

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