THE CITIZEN has given much coverage in recent weeks to crime levels in Blackpool and residents' very real concerns about their safety.

The proposed scheme to turn Blackpool into the "Las Vegas of Europe" by developing it as a major centre of casino gambling will surely only make matters worse.

Are the townsfolk likely to feel more secure knowing that in addition to the current major problem of yob culture the town will become a magnet for money laundering, protection rackets and drug barons? For make no mistake, once Blackpool gets a reputation as the place to win a fortune, as sure as night follows day, big time and petty criminals will be drawn in.

"A Golden Opportunity" is how Leisure Parcs describe their plans for Blackpool as a gamblers paradise. Remember human nature. "The love of money is the root of all evil," declares the Bible. Certainly residents will do well to recall the maxim that all that glitters isn't gold.

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