Bingo Locals Halt Casino Plans
22nd November, 2007
A public outcry from local residents has halted Buckingham Bingo’s plans to build a new casino, after the bingo hall’s bid for a casino license was turned down by magistrates.
Buckingham Bingo is situated right next to a secondary school and residential properties, sparking the original rejections. Locals were also concerned at the close proximity to other family attractions in the leisure complex. Despite huge opposition in the form of 120 letters of objection, planning permission was still granted for the gaming hall.
After a four-day hearing, Manchester City Magistrates’ licensing unit decided not to grant the license. They found that there was already an ample number of casinos in Manchester and the surrounding area, despite five people coming forward suggesting that there was a need for a new casino.
A local MP commented: “We didn’t believe that it should have got planning permission in the first place and we’re glad that it’s been turned down on licensing grounds. It would have been far too close to the local school and there was no real demand for an additional casino in that part of Manchester.”
After continuous pressure, the bingo hall has already shortened the number of hours it plays bingo after increased pressure from residents. A local councillor said: “The evidence was that there was no demand from local people for a casino. “If this had opened it would have meant more noise all through the night. Moreover, having a casino next to a school is totally inappropriate.”
