Town Still Confident Of Casino Future

Regeneration chiefs say they are still confident about plans for a large UK Casino on Teesside after gaming legislation was rejected in the Lords.

Peers voted against locating the UK's first super casino in Manchester, meaning 16 smaller casinos, including one in Middlesbrough, are also on hold.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said she would now "reflect" on the next step.

Tees Valley Regeneration's chief executive said he did not think the vote would affect Middlesbrough's bid.

Joe Docherty said: "The Lord's vote was very much a reaction against the super casino and, although there is still uncertainty, I don't think it was intended to get between Middlesbrough and its casino. If Middlesbrough gets its gaming licence then investment will become very real indeed. It will mean millions of pounds and hundreds of jobs. I'm not hugely surprised that there's another hurdle in front of us, but hopefully it's one we can get over."

Manchester was recommended by the Casino Advisory Panel in January - much to the shock of frontrunners Blackpool and the Dome in London.

Middlesbrough was one of eight areas to get licences for 2,500 sq metre gaming areas.

The project would have meant 300 new jobs and a £10m investment, and Middlesbrough Council had planned a competition to find an operator for the casino, to be built in the town centre or Middlehaven.

The votes on Wednesday were on so-called secondary legislation, which puts the new laws into effect - in this case allowing Manchester and the 16 other chosen towns and cities to get their new casino licences.

Peers rejected the plans by 123 votes to 120, killing off the order after the Commons voted it through despite a rebellion by 18 Labour MPs.

The move means there is likely to be a delay of months before the 17 new casinos get the official go ahead.