Sports centres and other attractions as well as Southend seafront should be considered as possible sites for supercasinos, a councillor has said.

Brian Smith told Southend Council's economic scrutiny committee last night confining casino developments to the seafront area was too narrow and other facilities should be given a chance to diversify.

Mr Smith (Lib Dem, Blenheim Park) gave no indication of possible sites but proposals for Southend United's new stadium at Fossetts Farm have in the past included plans for a casino.

Council leader Howard Briggs (Con, West Leigh) said he would take the suggestion to next Tuesday's cabinet meeting when a discussion on the whole casino issue is expected to take place.

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