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Casino granted after council U-turn
A TOWN hall U-turn will create up to 80 jobs for Blackpool residents – and save three clubs.
Blackpool Council last night granted planning permission for a new casino on Bloomfield Road.
More than 100 supporters turned up to see the plans by Pierre Coulon, owner of the former Paris Casino on Lytham Road – which burned down last July – approved.
He had struck a deal with the Number One club on Bloomfield Road to transform it into a casino.
But the deal looked doomed after town hall planners recommended granting a licence for just four years.
Workers, including five casino managers who have been out of work since the fire, cried tears of joy after the council voted to allow Mr Coulon's appeal, and granted unconditional permission.
Mr Coulon said: "To say I'm ecstatic is an understatement. I had 60 workers, almost all of who could not find jobs.
"I'm so glad the council saw sense. This will transform South Shore and the area many people see when they first arrive in Blackpool.
"We hope to spruce up the club and open it in three months. All my former workers will have jobs, and there may be up to 20 more."
Former manager Alfons Abdelsayed, 35, of Marton, said: "I'm not afraid to say I wept when they voted."
Adrian Chitty, 55, of South Shore, added: "I remember the awful night of the fire – I went from head cashier to collecting the dole.
"I can't express how happy I am – my life has been transformed."
FOR THE FULL STORY SEE TUESDAY'S GAZETTE.
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Weather for Blackpool
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
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