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12:19 pm, June 12, 2008
City drops plans to challenge casino decision

By Simon Binns

Manchester City Council has dropped plans for a legal challenge against the government over the decision to scrap the regional casino awarded to Manchester.

The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, held a meeting with the Sir Richard Leese, leader of the council, and the ministerial group established to co-ordinate further regeneration in the area following the decision to withdraw the casino award.

Leese said: “We are convinced that there is more to be gained for Manchester by working with government than from confronting them in the court room. As a consequence the city council will not be pursuing legal action.

“Given everything else going on at the moment, the very fact that the Prime Minister was willing to give us some of his time is a clear indication of his commitment and the importance he places on progressing the projects announced earlier this year.

“We are very pleased to have his backing but will continue to put pressure on government to ensure the promises are delivered for the people of East Manchester.”

The group is chaired by Hazel Blears, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and consists of eight cabinet ministers, including the Secretaries of State for Culture, Media and Sport; Innovation, Universities and Skills; Work and Pensions; Transport; Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform; and Health, as well as the Regional Minister for the North-West, the leader of Manchester City Council and the chair of the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

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