MIXED WELCOME FOR LONDON'S CASINO SHORTLIST

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 24th May 2006

Commenting on the announcement that Brent and Greenwich have been placed on the shortlist for the UK's first Las Vegas style casino, Liberal Democrat Chair of the Economic Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee in the London Assembly, Dee Doocey, said:

"While I welcome the potential boost to tourism in London that a so called super-Casino in Brent or Greenwich could bring, any operator must be required to demonstrate that they will create new and sustainable employment opportunities for Londoners. I am also concerned at the impact on local residents of the potential for greatly increased traffic given the existing stresses and strains on public transport in the areas."

The London Assembly report "On the Cards, The proposals for new casinos in London" recommended that any large casino should be sited as part of a clearly defined and separate leisure/entertainment destination. It should also be located away from residential development and from everyday high street shopping, to minimize loss of amenity and to minimize impulse gambling opportunities