Civic leaders in Blackpool say they are determined not to be sidetracked by claims from Birmingham that the seaside resort has already won the race to build Britain's first super-casino.
North-west politicians promised to continue campaigning and dismissed as "speculation" a comment by Birmingham City Council leader Mike Whitby that the Government is intent on granting a casino licence to Blackpool, whatever the quality of rival bids.
Blackpool Council leader Roy Fisher said: "It is interesting to hear this, but it is speculation. We have been, and are continuing to, work very hard to press Blackpool's case but we are taking absolutely nothing for granted.
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"I do not believe any decision has been made. However we're confident that our sub-mission will be of the highest standard and will certainly impress on the panel Black-pool's need for regeneration."
Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden said speculation about the resort getting the super-casino had been rife for more than a year, but he warned against believing rumours.
Mr Marsden said: "This is just a distraction. The important thing is for Blackpool to push on with its bid."
Alan Cavill, head of corporate policy and development at Blackpool Council, said he knew nothing about a secret deal.
Mr Cavill added: "We would like to think we are the obvious choice but clearly we wouldn't want to be in a position of making any assumptions."
Earlier this week Coun Whitby (Con Harborne) told a Birmingham cabinet meeting that he believed Blackpool's casino bid to be "cut and dried".
His remarks were supported by Birmingham Yardley MP John Hemming. ..SUPL:
