COUNCIL leaders have vowed to fight to make sure Southend is one of the eight areas to pilot regional casino plans.

The Government has signalled a partial climbdown on the Gambling Bill by restricting the number of supercasinos in the first phase.

Southend cabinet members believe they have a head start on many other resorts because of the plans revealed by top American casino operators MGM Mirage for the Westcliff Casino on Western Esplanade.

Rival plans for a huge casino development using seafront site Dizzyland have also been revealed by the Rendezvous casino at the Kursaal.

The powerful East of England Development Agency has identified Southend as the preferred town for a regional supercasino development in the region, Southend Council's Tory cabinet heard yesterday.

Councillors unanimously gave their backing to the massive £130 million scheme in principle, subject to planning and licensing issues as well as Government legislation.

Anna Waite, executive councillor for planning, said: "It could bring enormous benefits to the town, in terms of accommodation and jobs and bringing tourists back to Southend."