Jubilant campaigners have claimed victory in their battle to stop a popular Southend sports centre being revamped as a private members' casino.

Protesters believe Tower Casino Group has bailed out of plans to convert Courtlands Park Country Club into a £4.5 million gaming centre.

The move came as a task force of sports stalwarts and residents were gearing up to fight the proposals in court. The company's application was due to go before licensing magistrates in April.

Since the firm unveiled its plans in December, Southend Council and the Gaming Board have both lodged official objections.

Nigel Campling, of the Courtlands 2000 committee, said: "We believe we've won the first battle. We are very pleased the application has been withdrawn.

"We could not have done this without the support of residents, Rochford and Southend East MP Sir Teddy Taylor and Southend Council.

"We are well aware there is a lot more work to be done in the future to secure the club as a leisure facility."

Timothy Quinlan, director of the Westcliff Casino on Western Esplanade was told of the news by his lawyers. He said: "There was clearly no demand for another casino in the town."

Richard Kendle, managing director of Tower Casinos was unavailable for comment yesterday.

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