YOUR readers may have seen media coverage of plans to turn Blackpool into a Lancashire Las Vegas.

Perhaps they want us to use real chips not plastic ones on the roulette tables. Or to make sure the strippers wear flat caps if nothing else.

But seriously, nine out of every ten people we have consulted would prefer other ways of regenerating Blackpool than hardcore gambling casinos.

We want people to visit Blackpool more often and to stay for longer.

However we want more family friendly entertainment and attractions, not rip off casinos.

We know that 60% of the profits of Atlantic City casinos come from elderly day trippers on short bus trips. Casino promoters want six giant casinos, each with more than 2,000 no-limit slot machines.

These are very addictive and some of your readers will

become "problem gamblers". The social costs will be great and all taxpayers will have to pay for all the social costs.

This is not a local planning issue. Leisure related businesses in your area will suffer if spending is switched to Blackpool gambling trips. An Act of Parliament is required to allow Las Vegas style casinos. Please ask your local MP to kill this proposal.

It will

destroy Blackpool forever and economically damage your community.

BCAGE (Blackpool Coalition Against Gambling Expansion) spokesman Steven Bate, Ashfield Rd, Blackpool. www.bcage.org