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Odds stack up against United

John Scheerhout
19/ 3/2005

PLANS by Manchester United to build a super casino near Old Trafford are facing the red card.

United have held talks with Trafford council after the club was approached by American gambling giant Las Vegas Sands.

It is considering making an application for one of eight proposed licences for super casinos under new liberalised legislation for gambling being introduced in the UK.

The council's opposition Labour group has now said it would oppose any Old Trafford super casino plan.

Labour group leader Coun David Acton said: "It would appear that discussions to develop a super casino are presently going on behind closed doors without consultation with residents or local councillors. The Labour group therefore wishes to send a clear message to Manchester United and potential casino developers that a super casino would not be welcome in the area around Old Trafford."

Coun Laurence Walsh, who represents the Gorse Hill ward, said: "A super casino would further add to the problems of local residents who already suffer extensive problems with the fact that United are on their doorstep.

"This development, if it were ever to go ahead, would add significantly to the traffic, parking, litter and noise problems."

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