SOLIHULL'S casino bid was in turmoil today after Government plans to build new gambling dens across Britain were kicked out by the House of Lords. But the peers' decision will not revive hopes of a Birmingham bid, which would have incorporated a new football stadium for Birmingham City on the derelict Wheels Park site in Saltley. Blues manager director Karren Brady said: "The chance of Birmingham getting it is gone. I think it is now time to bury it." The House of Lords said it was willing to support plans for 16 smaller casinos, including ones in Solihull and Wolverhampton, but only if the Government agreed to review plans for a massive "super-casino" in Manchester. It was controversially given the nod ahead of clear favourites Blackpool. Birmingham City's bid fell at the first hurdle when it failed to get backing from its own local council which supported the NEC submission instead. Deborah Smith, the NEC's marketing and communications director, said: "It's disappointing but we will be watching the situation closely to see what happens." Ms Brady added: "I feel sorry for Manchester having gone through a very arduous process. Our bid was very similar, but better than Manchester with greater regeneration and employment. "There is clearly a demand for regional casinos, so why not give one each to Manchester and Blackpool." And she reassured Blues fans that a new football stadium could still go ahead on the Wheels Park site. Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell saw off a threatened rebellion by MPs in the House of Commons last night, after offering major concessions. This was enough to win over reluctant MPs, but not the House of Lords. Ministers needed the support of both houses to press ahead. It means Solihull's plans for a "large" casino, with up to 150 fruit machines offering jackpots of £4,000, are in limbo. Wolverhampton must also wait for approval to build a smaller casino, which can include up to 80 slot machines. The proposals had previously been approved by the Casino Advisory Panel, an independent body set up by Ms Jowell, before the vote.
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