Calls To Back Coventry Super Casino Plan

People in Coventry are being asked to join a campaign to bring Britain's first super casino to the city's Ricoh Arena.

The Coventry Now campaign is pressing for the city to be chosen as the only pilot for new American-style casinos in the UK.

They've already got backing from MPs, businesses, the city council and community groups - but want individuals to join in.

They're asking people to either text their support or log on to their website and vote to boost a submission to the government's advisory panel on where the pilot casino should go.

Campaigners are making the plea after a new poll showed that only one in six people in the city were aware of the campaign.

While three-quarters of those asked knew of plans for a casino, fewer than half knew it was planned for the Ricoh.

Councils have until March 31 to make submissions to the panel and the government is going to make a final decision in 2007.

Backers of Coventry Now believe the city is ideal because it could deliver a casino earlier than anywhere else in Britain.

Mississippi-based riverboat casino operators Isle of Capri have already reserved space at the Ricoh Arena and have planning permission for a huge casino there.

They're getting ready to fit out a smaller casino in the meantime.

Tory Coventry City Council leader Ken Taylor said: "The government's decision in 2007 may seem like a long way off, but we urge the people of Coventry to get behind the campaign now to ensure that Coventry can capitalise on this important opportunity."

The casino would bring an estimated 1,000 jobs to the city and the rent it would generate is a key part of the business plan for the Ricoh Arena, which is home to the Sky Blues.

Cllr Taylor said new jobs would be a welcome boost for the city, adding: "This is an historic opportunity that Coventry should pursue energetically as the benefits will be significant."

Labour MP Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) said: "A regional casino is necessary to complete the Ricoh project in Coventry as much of the financing for that project will come from revenue generated by the casino.

"This is an important source of funding for the project, as it will generate major investment and economic regeneration in the area."

Labour opposition leader on the council John Mutton said: "If the government is looking for one super casino as a pilot, then logically it should decide on one that's built and just needs fitting out now - and that's in Coventry."

He said the government was still talking to Tories in Parliament to see if they'd relax their opposition to super casinos and allow more than one pilot.