BLACKPOOL has to live up to its motto -- Progress. While recognising that we have some problems, we must be careful not to give out the wrong signals.

Blackpool is still the best value, most popular seaside resort in the country. While we have to look to the future, it cannot be at the expense of our noble past. This is why I must question the "quick-fix" idea of the proposed resort casinos.

It may well be that bringing these casinos to Blackpool could bring with it great economic prosperity -- but at whose expense? Research carried out in the USA shows that the legalisation of gaming was a terrible mistake -- could we do better here? The reason Great Britain has such tight gambling laws is because our forefathers recognised the danger of the addiction to gambling. As a country we need to think long and hard before relaxing our gambling laws.

The one thing that most people seem to agree on is that we need to have an open, honest debate about something that will affect all of the community either for good or bad. This is one of the most important decisions Blackpool will have to make, one which will leave a lasting impression. The people of Blackpool should have the final say, in the form of a referendum, following an informed and public debate.

Coun Jon Bamborough,

Maitland Avenue,

Anchorsholme.