COMMUNITIES minister Hazel Blears visited east Manchester for the first time since she was accused of `letting down' the area following the government's axing of the supercasino.

The scheme was tipped to create 3,000 jobs and generate £1bn a year in one of the country's most deprived areas.

But the Salford MP, who was speaking as plans for housing in New Islington were unveiled, insisted that the government was committed to finding other jobs for the region.

Although it was fellow north-west MP Andy Burnham, the culture minister, who ultimately signed the supercasino's death warrant, Ms Blears was charged with drawing up regeneration plans widely tipped as a "consolation prize" to offset the loss.

But the report failed to deliver any specific investments nor did it offer any firm commitment for government aid.

Instead a further working group, involving government ministers and town hall bosses, was set up to explore other possible investments.

'Let down'

At the time Manchester Blackley MP Graham Stringer said the city had been `completely let down'. He said: "There is not a single new job and not a single extra penny. It boils down to absolutely nothing. It is spin and hot air. They are simply pushing this into the longest grass."

Quizzed about the progress of the new group, Ms Blears told the MEN that she had faced criticism from some local groups.

She said: "I have spoken to local councillors who obviously expressed their concern about the casino but recognise that we are committed to providing support in other forms.

"We are working really hard to ensure that the job opportunities are there. I made an interim report to parliament on our first meeting and my group will continue to work for the next year to find these opportunities.

"We believe many of the issues are around skills and helping people acquire skills."

Regeneration

During her speech to around 200 developers and investors attending the launch of new housing at New Islington, she praised the efforts to transform the former Cardroom estate.

Award-winning developers Urban Splash are building 1,700 new homes on the 30 acre site. The site will involve a number of eye-catching apartment blocks and houses as well as revitalising existing canal routes.

Council leader Sir Richard Leese, who was also at the launch, said city bosses were still upset by the decision but would take part in the latest talks.

He said: "I believe they made the wrong decision. Obviously we are disappointed but if the government are genuine about their desire to invest in Manchester, which they appear to be, then the working group is the vehicle for getting us the jobs we need."

Town hall chiefs, who had at one point threatened to sue the government, said the casino would have attracted investment without the need for public investment. Plans for 16 smaller casino developments around the country were approved earlier this year.

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