'A disaster waiting to happen'

LOCALS VOICE CONCERNS OVER 24-HOUR SLOTS CASINO

- By AUSTEN SHAKESPEARE

PLANS to allow a 24-hour slots casino to open in North Shields despite an initial refusal by the council have been slammed as "a disaster".

Preston Grange locals are concerned about the potential impact the venue could have on children and the potential for antisocial behaviour.

Residents and councillors gathered outside the prospective location of the new gambling venue in the Collingwood Centre, on Preston Road North, to voice their concerns over the potential venue.

Luxury Leisure successfully appealed North Tyneside Council's planning committee decision to refuse the plans on the basis of public health, public safety, and a claimed overabundance of such venues.

However, last week the planning inspectorate overruled the council's decision stating the council had failed to offer "substantial evidence" of the potential damage the development may incur. The inspector was also satisfied with the age restriction measures the venue would operate.