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 11th 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
