GROTESQUE GOVERNMENT MISMANAGEMENT OVER CASINOS - BURT

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 26th Feb 2008

Speaking on the Government announcement today to go ahead with large casinos, including Solihull, Lorely Burt MP said:

"A large casino for Solihull has significant potential benefits in terms of jobs, visitors and the local economy. But the cost of the last year's delay to the West Midlands - and in particular to Solihull is considerable.

"This is just the latest example of grotesque mismanagement by Government.

"They dithered for ten months after the Liberal Democrats called for the implementation of the large casinos and a review of the super casinos.

"Nearly £1m and thousands of hours of work has been wasted by local authorities and companies during this period of uncertainty.

"Further longwinded processes will ensure that no planning applications will be presented until at least October this year. That means that construction costs will be greater, leisure facilities will remain unavailable and unemployed people will not get jobs until much later than they should have," added Lorely Burt MP.

"The NEC is just one potential site with very strong regenerative opportunities in terms of jobs, visitors and wider economic impact, but other proposals may come forward. What is most important is that the best site for Solihull and the region is chosen and that will be determined by the competitive process to be run by Solihull Council."