Casino confusion

Mar 30 2007 Dumfries & Galloway Standard

AN AIR of confusion surrounds the Stranraer casino dream.

Council officials were yesterday trying to analyse the implications of a controversial House of Lords vote.

On Wednesday night the upper chamber stunned the Government by voting out plans for the super casino at Manchester by 123 to 120.

The future of the 16 smaller casinos, including the one at Stranraer, is linked to Manchester.

The council’s regeneration officer, Tony Fitzpatrick said: "We firstly need to understand the full implications of yesterday's decisions and we believe Government is reflecting on the overall position.

“I must stress that the regeneration of Stranraer and Loch Ryan waterfront has never been pinned on getting permission to build a casino.

”We will however await future advice from central Government on the overall casino situation and we can use this time to have full and proper consultation with the people of Stranraer.”

Convener Tommy Sloan was unphased by the vote.

“In my opinion the casino would have been an add on to the redevelopment,” he said.

“If it doesn’t happen we will find something else to replace it.

“The important thing is we continue trying to brings jobs and prosperity to Stranraer.

“The House of Lords vote actually gives us some breathing space to carry out full consultations with the community, something we had always planned to do.

“I’m still hopeful the casino will come to Stranraer but whatever happens it wont affect the regeneration of the town.”

MP Russell Brown was angered by the vote.

“I’m extremely angry about the Lords’ rejection of these regulations,” he said.

“It now means that the position of the Stranraer casino proposal is completely up in the air.”

However, not everyone is happy with the move.

More than 600 people signed a petition against the casino.