No to New Casino in Luton

I have been following news on how Luton Borough Council plans to redevelop the former Vauxhall site (Napier’s Park). I was alarmed to learn that the Council is considering opening a large casino there. I am most disappointed to learn that the Liberal Democrat Council Executives have already submitted an application to the Department of Culture, Media and Sports back in March 2006. A new large casino will only create more social problems to Luton, Dunstable and nearby areas. More casinos will obviously lead to more gambling, which in turn will increase the risk of addiction to gambling. Should this proposal proceed, there will almost definitely be other associated problems like broken families, debt-related depression, and many more. There are already two casinos in Luton, in addition to several betting shops. Surely these are enough. We do not need a new large casino. The Liberal Democrat councillors tried to justify the new large casino by saying that it will create job opportunities for Luton. They played down the risks of crime and anti-social behaviour. I attended the Council Executive meeting yesterday. When asked what research they have done to investigate the potential social impacts, Cllr Franks (Council Leader) said that social implications of the project will only be considered when they receive a proper casino license application. Surely they should have conducted a proper study before submitting any application to central government! And I simply do not understand why they limit the potential impacts to just crime and anti-social behaviour. Do they not realize that gambling-related problems are more varied than that? The Council must withdraw the application immediately. I am now organizing a petition to that effect, to support one that was lodged by Salvation Army and the Methodist Church. If you are from Luton / Dunstable and would like to join my campaign, please drop me an email at ws@wansaiful.com