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UK
Casino Times
> Casino
News
16 June 2005
Late Night Oldbury Casino Plan Is
Rejected
Oldbury
residents have won their battle to stop a UK casino being
created at a bingo hall in their street.
Berkshire-based firm Rank
Group wanted to open a late night gambling venue at the
Mecca Social Club in Halesowen Street.
But householders objected
to the proposals which they claim would lead to noise,
disturbance and traffic problems.
At a meeting of Sandwell
Council's planning committee last week members threw out the
application - despite it having been recommended for
approval by planning officers.
The club currently
operates as a bingo hall which attracts hundreds of people
to its nightly sessions. The casino plans would have seen it
open for gambling from 2pm to 6am and the creation of up to
80 jobs.
Darnel Cox, who lives in
Halesowen Street, said the quality of life of those living
near the site would suffer if the casino was allowed to go
ahead.
She said: "There is
already extensive traffic not just during the day but also
at night - it feels like we live on a motorway
island."
Mrs Cox said parking was
already a problem in the area with visitors to the club
parking on double yellow lines and on the dual-carriageway,
making it difficult for emergency vehicles to
pass.
She said residents also
feared there would be an increase in noise as people left
the club and from entertainment inside the
building.
Graham Murdoch, of Rank,
said plans included expansion of the car park and, the
building would be insulated for noise.
He said: "I have listened
carefully to the concerns, we understand people are
concerned - they often think a casino will generate
problems.
"But there are strict
licences, renewed annually, and any misbehaviour connected
to the casino would mean the licence would not be
renewed."
He added that security
would be stepped up with CCTV cameras which could be
extended to cover Halesowen Street while staff would patrol
the car park.
Councillors voted to
reject the application by a narrow majority.
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