Casino Consultation Begins In South Devon

Torbay council is requesting feedback over the plans for a new gambling venue in the area

Torbay Council has begun a 12-week public consultation before publishing its revised gambling policy.

The south Devon area was one of 16 locations granted permission for a new casino under the government's recent gambling legislation, with several developers expected to bid for the project.

Before the bidding process gets underway, the council is asking the residents of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham to share their views on how a new casino would affect Torbay, the Herald Express reports.

"The council takes its responsibility for licensing very seriously," councillor Louisa Aiton told the newspaper.

"We have always seen our casino bid as fitting in closely with a wide range of regeneration initiatives to make Torbay a more exciting place to live," she added.

The council has published a draft 'statement of principles' regarding its gambling policy and will issue the finalised version once the consultation period has expired.

Mayor of Torbay Nick Bye is known to be a supporter of the casino plan, but he has faced opposition from Liberal Democrats on the council, who claim that any expenditure on a gambling venue could be put to better use elsewhere.