The Liberal Democrats have criticised Tory-run Southend Council over a failed bid for a supercasino.

The council could have apoplied to be a venue for a large or small casino as well as a massive Las Vegas-style regional 'supercasino' which would have unlimited jackpot prizes.

However, the council simply pinned its hopes on getting a supercasino rather than considering any other option.

Cash from Southend Council was used to pay a company to lobby on the borough's behalf.

Graham Longley, leader of the Lib Dems on the council, said the Tories had wasted their money and effort on a bid for a supercasino they knew they were unlikely to win.

He said they should instead have concentrated on bidding for a small or large casino, which they would have had a batter chance of securing.

Mr Longley said: "They have been hell bent on the supercasino, knowing quite clearly from the beginning that Southend was never likely to be in with a chance.

"They just went for it blindly without thinking.

"They weren't being realistic."

Mr Longley said a smaller casino could still have helped to regenerate the town and wouldn't be as controversial.

John Lamb, acting leader of Southend Council, said: "Graham Longley is wrong. We already have two casinos.

"A small or large casino wouldn't bring about the development opportunities and investment that we were after."

Mr Lamb added the council had wanted to have a supercasino in Southend only if it came with hotel and conference facilities.

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