THE Blackpool 1st Alliance is an organisation set up to, among other things, foster openness and democracy in the affairs of Blackpool and to promote and protect the prosperity and welfare of its residents and businesses.

Our members, while not against casinos or gambling generally, oppose so-called "resort casinos" for very good reasons. Our members and supporters are drawn from a wide spectrum of the community.

We were a little surprised, therefore, at the intervention of Lord Wade of Chorlton in the House of Lords supporting the proposals for "resort casinos" since his obvious interest in the subject had not been made public previously, certainly not in Blackpool. We were also very concerned at comments about our town which the media have attributed to him, and which do not reflect Blackpool's true state. Blackpool is far from "dying" and it certainly is not -- nor has it ever been -- known as "sin city". The media reports did not make clear whether those comments were from first hand experience or whether they were merely a conduit for views expressed to Lord Wade.

We would welcome meeting Lord Wade with a small delegation. It would be helpful, if only to acquaint him with such information as we have to assist him in any future debates or interventions. He might also like to hear the views held by our members.

Ken Coups,

Chairman,

Blackpool 1st Alliance.