THE government's decision to allow a consortium of racing industry players to team up with management and staff to bid for the Tote, the Wigan-based, state-owned bookmaker, has been described as 'an early Christmas present' for the borough.

Wigan council leader Peter Smith said a deal would be good news for the area and for the Tote's 650 staff.

He said it would safeguard jobs and would allow the Tote freedom to operate outside government control.

There had been fears that a sale to bidders such as Gala Coral, could lead to the break-up of the Tote and subsequent job losses.

The Tote is likely to go for around é400m. Tweet