West Leigh Residents Association

1578 London Road

Leigh-on-Sea

Essex

SS9 2QR

14 August 2006

Mr R Tinlin

Chief Executive and Town Clerk

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council

Civic Centre

Victoria Avenue

Southend-on-Sea

Essex SS2 6ER

Dear Mr Tinlin,

Local Development Framework - Casino

In a recent article in the Southend Echo (July 24^th) it was stated that the proposed new Local Development Plan would be amended to add the word “casino” in the text “Support for the town’s regional potential to develop as a hotel and conference resort….”.

Could you please confirm that this amendment has or will be made?

If this proves to be the case, my Association have very strong objections to the amendment.

1) Firstly, this change would be made after the consultation exercise has taken place and as such would further undermine a consultation process that already is being criticised for its lack of responsiveness.

2) Secondly, in view of the considerable opposition to the proposals for casino development in the town, the inclusion of the word “casino” runs contrary to local wishes and shows a marked indifference to the concerns of residents.

3) Thirdly, as Southend has already failed to make the shortlist for the super casino (and that after a considerable outlay of taxpayers money), it is inappropriate that the subject of casino development should remain so high on the Council chiefs’ agenda.

4) Fourthly, judging by the views of my members, the letters written to the local papers and the poll undertaken by the Echo, to officially promote Southend as a gambling resort is clearly not the image to which the majority of local residents subscribe.

Yours sincerely,

E. G. Cornish (Eddie)

Chairman, West Leigh Residents Association