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Hoteliers' dismay at casino decision
HOTELS in Blackpool will go out of business without the supercasino.
This is the stark warning from accommodation chiefs in the resort as they today joined more than 3,000 people in Signing Up For Blackpool.
Last week's bombshell snub by the Casino Advisory Panel, which recommended Manchester as its preferred choice as the home of the UK's first supercasino, sent shockwaves through Blackpool's hotel industry.
Hoteliers, as much as anyone else who lives and works in the resort, were pinning their hopes on the Las Vegas-style gambling mecca bringing new visitors and trade into Blackpool.
The Gazette's campaign for Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell to review the CAP ruling before a crucial Commons vote later this month continues to gather pace with hundreds signing up every day.
More than 50 MPs have also signed a Commons' motion appealing for Blackpool's case to be re-examined and the CAP decision to be scrutinised.
With more than 1,500 accommodation providers in Blackpool, the Hotel and Guest House Association (BHGHA) said the casino decision would have been the vehicle for regeneration.
Colin Asplin, president of the BHGHA, said it would be difficult to quantify the financial implications of Blackpool's failure to win the backing of the Casino Advisory Panel.
He added: "It's difficult to say how much we would lose in the hotel and guest house trade.
"What can be said is that some hotels will close down as a result of Blackpool not being awarded the casino development.
"But some would close anyway because the owners are choosing not to invest in their future."
Blackpool Council is hoping the Commons and the House of Lords throw out the CAP recommendation of Manchester and look at the bids again.
Derrick Ellershaw, secretary of the BHGHA, said communication was now key in trying to build a future, with or without the casino.
He added: "The casino decision is a blow but what we need now is a lead from the council about where we go from here.
"Communication is key. We have all the e-mails, letters and communication equipment we need, but still we can't sell Blackpool to the outside world.
"We need to send out a message that Blackpool is still open for business."
The hoteliers' support comes as some MPs believe the greatest threat to Manchester's victory will come from the House of Lords
"I don't think there's a real problem in the Commons," said Blackley MP Graham Stringer, "but it's difficult to know what will happen in the Lords.
"There are a number of ex-Lancashire MPs who are stamping their feet and will vote against Manchester.
"It's rare for the Lords to block something voted through the Commons, but it's very difficult to assess how this will go."
nick.hyde@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
