The fight to set up Clacton's first seaside casino is hotting up as three more sites have been given the all-clear.

Tendring councillors have already agreed a change of use for part of the Royal Hotel on the town's seafront and the nearby Criterion restaurant.

Now they have set the ball rolling for three amusement arcades in Pier Avenue.

The Gaiety, Marshalls Amusements and another arcade all applied for planning permission and got it, but can go no further with the project until the Government makes a decision over licences.

This is not likely until 2005 due to a shortage of parliamentary time to discuss it.

Another scheme for the Sunspot Arcade at Brooklands, Jaywick, was thrown out as it was decided the land was too close to residential properties and would not be suitable. There was concern about noise and disturbance.

Peter Le Grys told councillors last night they were also due to get an application from a holiday park at St Osyth, which also wants to set up a gaming casino. That is likely to come before the next meeting.

Audrey Overton (Con, Pier) was worried about the parking problems that could result in Pier Avenue and Roy Smith (CRP, Golf Green) said he hoped the casinos would not get permission from the Government.

He felt they would not benefit the town as a seaside resort or the residents who lived there.

But Peter Balbirnie (Con, Little Clacton and Weeley) said the best and most consistent way was to give all the applications the green light and allow market forces - and legislation - decide what would happen.

Published Wednesday, June 11, 2003

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