Casino's big win leaves protesters baffled and angry

APPEAL IS GRANTED DESPITE OPPOSITION

- By DANIEL HOLLAND

A 24-hour slots casino will be allowed to open in North Shields, despite a wave of opposition.

North Tyneside Council rejected plans earlier this year to open an Admiral gambling arcade in Preston Grange.

But that decision has now been overturned, after applicant Luxury Leisure successfully appealed to the Planning Inspectorate over the future of the vacant unit at the Collingwood Centre. A total of 130 local residents objected to the proposals, alongside the area's Tory councillors, Labour MP Sir Alan Campbell, and public health bosses.