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Lib Dems under fire over advert
BLACKPOOL Liberal Democrats who reportedly slated the resort's casino bid are set to be brought to task by party leaders.
Coun Jon Bamborough, Coun Steven Bate and Doreen Holt were all named in a national newspaper ad which called on Parliament to support Manchester’s controversial choice in Wednesday’s crucial votes in the Commons and Lords.
The ad claimed Blackpool was not the right location for the Las Vegas-style casino.
This went against the clear views of the three main parties within Blackpool.
Coun Robert Wynne, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Blackpool, was today trying to distance himself from the incident and said an urgent meeting of the party was being held tonight.
Distance
Ironically Blackpool was given a second chance thanks to an amendment in the Lords tabled by Liberal Democrat Lord Clement-Jones.
The Noble Organisation, which owns the Coral Island complex, confirmed it had contributed to the cost of the ad, but refused to say how much it had paid.
It has opposed Blackpool’s supercasino bid, but wants permission to open its own casino inside the former Palace nightclub on the promenade.
Coun Wynne said: “In my opinion to use money from an organisation seeking to have the supercasino built in Manchester, while at the same time hoping to have the opportunity to have their own casino in Blackpool, is misguided if they knew about it.
“If they didn’t, it’s deceitful of the organisation that spearheaded it.”
However, Doreen Holt, who stood for the Lib Dems at the last General Election, said she did not give permission for her name to appear in the advert, published in the Daily Telegraph and The Guardian.
She said: “I’m furious and I’m trying to find out how my name was included. I want regeneration for Blackpool and have never been against the supercasino.”
Coun Bamborough said: “A proper process was gone through and Manchester was chosen. If Manchester had gone ahead on a trial basis, then Blackpool would have got a casino later, but now I don’t think anyone will get one.”
Coun Bate was unavailable to comment.
David Biesterfield, a director of Noble, said: “We made our contribution.”
The company was criticised during the Lords’ debate.
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
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