CAP Decision In Disarray

The Casino Advisory Panel has said that the shortlist for the new super casino license was not final and that there was still a "window of opportunity for councils to make further representations".

A number of councils, including the Midlands' Coventry and Birmingham, were talking about potential legal action to rectify their ommission from the final eight.

A spokesman for the panel said: "The shortlist has not been firmed up yet. The list released are those that the panel think are the strongest. However, the panel are aware they based their decision on written evidence alone and there is now a window of opportunity for people who want to make further representations."

Michael White, leader of Havering Council, said that a legal challenge was likely. "We're very disappointed and I am planning to take action against this. I can't understand why we lost."

Lorely Burt, MP for Solihull said "I have no idea why Solihull wasn't included. It looks like the regeneration card has been played."