A new casino planned for the vacant second floor of the Kursaal will not be held up by Southend Council.

Now the decision whether to grant a licence for London-based London Clubs to open the town's third casino will rest with the Gaming Licensing Committee which is set to consider the application next Monday.

Councillors agreed by eight votes to four last night to raise no objections to the plan.

But opponents of the casino claimed it was not compatible with the family attractions at the complex's leisure centre.

However those who voted not to object said the development would be good news for the Kursaal and the seafront economy in general.

Mary Lubel (Lib Dem, Westborough) said: "Anyone who has been there realises it isn't a family centre. There is a huge pub which precludes the children and a bowling alley which precludes the very old and very young. To say it is a family centre is singularly untrue."

But Ann Holland (Con, Southchurch) said: "I don't think it's an appropriate place to put a casino. I don't think that is a good enough reason for going along with it. We should stand our ground with an objection."

Howard Briggs (Con, Belfairs) said: "The financial viability of the Kursaal would be put in jeopardy and jobs could be lost if we objected.

"I'm not suggesting that it will bring enormous wealth to the town but the jobs are important.

"The people that will use the place will be quiet, modest and middle-aged. The facility will bring jobs and money and will save the Kursaal, and saving the Kursaal is the number one priority."

London Clubs claims it will create around 150 jobs if the casino is opened.

Training would be given to potential croupiers, game inspectors, card room supervisors, cashiers, receptionists, security guards, and door staff.

At the hearing, representations may be made by the council, the police, the fire service, any objectors and the Gaming Board for Great Britain.

It is likely the application would be adjourned to a later date for a special hearing.

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