THE casino development planned for Bournemouth is hanging in the balance as planners prepare to reach a decision today.

Yesterday the House of Lords voted against govern-ment plans for a super-casino in Manchester and 16 smaller casinos around the country.

But Bournemouth council's cabinet voted last night to push ahead with its own casino plans.

The planning application for a controversial £60 million complex near the Pavilion, including restaurants and a casino, was due to be decided this morning.

Some councillors claim the council is being held hostage because the developer is hoping to use money raised through the casino to fund the Pavilion's refurbishment.

Cllr David Clutterbuck said: "We are being held hostage over this and I think it's wrong to rush it through just before the election. There would be other ways to fund the Pavilion improvements.

"This building will be there for 100 years and we could be stuck with a monstrosity. If this casino goes ahead it'll be another IMAX-style disaster."

Conservative councillor Anne Filer is also against the casino development.

She said: "The sort of tourists that would come here just for the casino are not the sort of tourists we need.

"We should be building a family attraction, perhaps a swimming pool or ice rink complex."

It is not just councillors who are objecting to the plans.

A recent meeting of the East Cliff and Town Centre Residents Association, attended by around 170 residents, unanimously voted against the proposal.

East Cliff resident Jean Hergest fears an increase in crime and disorder would be caused by a casino in the town centre.

She said: "My husband is ex-police so he knows all about the problems."

Cllr Adrian Fudge supports the casino development.

He said: "You have to look at the scheme in its totality. We have a private developer that is willing to invest millions of pounds in Bournemouth including £13 million in the Pavilion.

"It will also provide at least £1 million in capital receipts for the council and maximise attractions in Bournemouth."