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Community Leaders Protest Against Opening of Casino Beside School

United Kingdom --- Buckingham Bingo at Parrs Wood leisure centre wants to convert part of the existing bingo club that is situated beside a school in Didsbury into a casino, and community leaders are not happy about it.

The said casino would be the first of its kind in south Manchester with afternoon and evening gambling sessions. The games will be running until 6am for most of the week.

Buckingham Bingo says that market research shows that there is a good demand for casinos in South Manchester. Residents however, are concerned that the opening of a casino will only lead to more noise, traffic and crimes. Kingsway Triangle Residents' Association says that it is concerned about the proposed casinos location, being close to Parrs Wood High School and sixth form.

"It's quite inappropriate for a casino to be open when schoolchildren are arriving and leaving. In particular, sixth formers may be tempted into the casino - and into problem gambling - on account of its perceived glamour," Association chairman Philip Partridge said. "Didsbury is very much a residential suburb. We believe a casino would radically change its character and the character of the leisure centre, which is presently family-orientated. It would also result in 24-hour use of the centre, meaning there will be extra traffic and noise for residents in an area that's already busy enough. Our committee very strongly objects to this application." He adds further.

Jane Martindale of Parrs Wood Sixth Form Centre is likewise concerned. "The casino's opening hours may coincide with the school day and some of our students will, of course, be old enough to gain access. However, we will ensure that our sixth formers attend lessons as normal and, in free time, use college facilities to study hard and prepare for A-levels."

"I'm very concerned. I do not think it's appropriately located in a family entertainment centre next to Parrs Wood School." Councilor Tony Parkinson said. "Nobody has stopped to think about the impact these long hours will have on traffic and residents. The existing car park cannot cope when popular films are being shown - people have to park on the streets."

Buckingham Bingo's management however feels that the project should still push through. "Bingo will continue to run but on a smaller scale. We are not looking to open a super-duper big casino. We feel there is the demand for this casino, as it actually has the youngest membership out of all 10 of our clubs. We were alerted to the need for this by the younger customers - many of whom have to travel into Manchester for a casino," chief executive Andy Cunningham said.

"Our customers are well aware of what they have to spend in their pockets. And we are supplying them with a service that doesn't exist in south Manchester. We think a casino will add value to the current site and save people travelling." He adds.