Questions mount over Manchester as super casino city

2007-02-05 15:45:00

It has emerged that a member of the Casino Advisory Panel (CAP) who awarded the super-casino license to Manchester has close links with the city.

The announcement that Manchester would be granted the license came as a shock to most, as Blackpool or the London Dome had been expected to win the rights.

Currently, there are ten casinos in Greater Manchester and two Premier football clubs which are able to generate income for the city, leading some to question whether it would qualify for the regeneration criteria.

As controversy regarding the decision heightens, it has recently come to light that panel member, Chris Collison is a supporter of Manchester City football team and holds a season ticket to the ground.

In the past, he has also worked for Manchester county council, but CAP has defended his right to be a part of the deciding body.

Speaking to the Observer newspaper, a spokesperson for CAP said: "Panel members considered carefully whether Collison's interests were sufficient as to be prejudicial to their considerations. They decided that they were not…"

Manchester city council has also been accused of entering into an understanding with Sol Kerzner, the South African casino magnate, before the decision was made, suggesting that he would be permitted to open the casino.


© Adfero Ltd