A CASINO could move into a planned prestigious Southend seafront development.

Leisure giant the Rank Organisation, which already has a licence to operate a new casino in Southend, is on the lookout for a top-class location.

It would controversially reinforce the image of Southend seafront, which already has two casino complexes, as a gambling centre.

Rank originally planned an extension to the Mecca bingo hall, in Greyhound Way, to accommodate a casino while still using the existing facilities there.

But the group is now looking for other sites, with speculation centred on the planned Marine Plaza development on the seafront.

Alternatively, Rank could open a casino as part of Southend United's new stadium complex at Fossetts Farm.

Tim Quinlan, a consultant for Rank, confirmed: "We are looking at other possible sites in the town for a new casino."

However, Mr Quinlan, a former director of the Westcliff Casino, said the possible sites were still commercially sensitive and could not be publicly revealed.

He added: "If there is nowhere suitable available, we could revert to our original plans. At Greyhound Way, we already have planning permission and could go ahead immediately."

Rank gained its licence for a casino in Southend just weeks before Government legislation meant there was a moratorium on new ones.

When planning permission was granted for Marine Plaza and the Blues new football stadium, casinos were included as possible facilities, as well as hotel and conference provision.

If Marine Plaza was chosen, it would bring Rank into direct competition with the Rendezvous Casino at the Kursaal, run by London Clubs International, and nearby Westcliff Casino.

Southend Council chiefs have given a cautious welcome to the possibility of the casino moving to another site, provided it helps to bring in hotels and other development.

John Lamb, councillor responsible for regeneration, said: "Whatever your views on casinos and gambling, they are a fact of life and are needed to bring hotels and conference facilities to the town.

"I know many people who don't gamble and go to casinos to meet friends, have a good meal and an evening out with entertainment.

"Casinos have changed very much from the days when people just went there to gamble."

Liberal Democrat group leader Graham Longley added: "I would have concerns if it was just a casino without any other facilities such a hotel being involved."

Agents for John Remblance, the seafront businessman behind the Marine Plaza scheme, are still involved in discussions with Southend Council over details of the scheme.

The council's cabinet is due to receive a report on land issues involved with the project, which could mean compulsory purchase being used to allow it to go forward if negotiations with landowners failed.

The report is also expected to include recommendations on the sale of a small area of the land which is owned by the council.