New Labour Council Loves Large Casino Proposal

Newham Respect is appalled but not surprised that yet again Newham council has not consulted with residents about a proposal for a large casino to be built in Newham. The Mayor and Labour Cllr's confirmed that they support the application for the building of the proposed casino as they rejected the motion proposed by the CPA at this month's council meeting which called for the casino application to be withdrawn.

Respect Cllr Abdul Karim Sheikh said, "Community Forums are one of the many ways that the council can consult with residents about important issues that may have an impact on the quality of life for Newham residents. Yet Newham council has still not consulted with residents about plans to build a large casino at one of three sites in Newham. At this month's council meeting the Mayor kept trying to confuse the casino issue with the consultation that was already carried out over the council's proposed gambling policy. The proposed casino and the gambling policy are two different matters so the Mayor should stop trying to mislead the council and residents in order to cover up the lack of consultation over the large casino issue."

Newham Respect believes that Newham already has avenues of gambling like bingo clubs and betting shops, so there is no value in building a casino that may add to the potential problems associated with gambling addiction. Newham's Mayor Sir Robin Wales should stop thinking purely about profit and start thinking more about Newham's people.