June 15, 2020

Clacton Pier has been dealt a bitter blow after the Government reversed its decision to allow the opening of Adult Gaming Centres from today.

The Pier’s owners, along with others in the industry, were informed of the U-turn at the 11^th hour.

Despite a last ditch bid by many to persuade the Government to change its mind, the effort was unsuccessful.

Pier director Billy Ball was appalled by the turnaround and described it as an “outrageous” decision.

“We have followed the Government restrictions to the letter throughout this very challenging period,” he said.

“We were delighted when it was announced that we would be able to reopen the Pier Casino from today. We spent a week preparing; moving the machines further apart, having the area deep cleaned, acquiring all the necessary PPE and bringing staff back from Furlough.

“Everything was in place for staff and customers to return in safety and then we were told on Friday (June 12) that the Government had changed its mind!

“It is a bitter pill to swallow and will cost us and others in our industry many thousands of pounds at a time when we really need some income.”

Adult Gaming Centres had been categorized along with non-essential retail and betting shops to reopen on June 15.

Clacton MP Giles Watling threw his full support behind the industry – having received representations from several businesses in Tendring - and got more than 20 MPs to back him with others interested.

“As far as I am concerned, if betting shops and non-essential venues can reopen so should the Adult Gaming Centres,” he said. “I will be keeping up the pressure in a bid to get this decision reversed.”

Mr Watling added that he had spoken to Tourism Minister Nigel Huddlestone about the issue.

“The Government is keen to get AGCs open as soon as possible but Public Health England has said not yet,” he added. “The date is now July 4 but I am aiming to get that brought forward.”

There was further backing from Tendring District Council, whose Leader Neil Stock, contacted MP Sir Bernard Jenkin as well as John Fuller, Chairman of the National District Council Network.

Cllr Stock said tourism is absolutely vital to Tendring.

“Our District relies on tourism and many attractions, including Clacton Pier, will be significantly hit by this change in Government guidance,” he added.

Mr Ball thanked all those who had given his industry their backing and hoped that the Pier Casino could reopen soon.

Ends