A CASINO for York should not be ruled out, councillors have been advised.

City of York councillors will decide on the city's new gambling policy at their full meeting next Thursday, and have been recommended not to veto the possibility of a casino.

Two plans for multi-million-pound complexes have already been prepared by businessmen, but they were threatened by a possible "no casino" resolution.

Earlier this month, a council licensing committee voted overwhelmingly against such a resolution, and the council's executive has decided not to alter that stance.

The final decision will now be made by the full council next week.

In October, The Press exclusively reported on a £5 million plan to build a casino on the old ikon & Diva nightclub site, at Clifton Moor.

The proposal, from North Yorkshire tycoon Don Robinson, could provide 200 jobs if it got the go-ahead.

Mr Robinson said: "York is the third largest tourist town in Britain, behind London and Edinburgh, and if it's not going to have one of the casinos, I just cannot fathom it out."

He said he had been "amazed" by suggestions a casino would attract trouble.

City businessmen Neil and Lee Horwell, and Paul and George Pavlou, have also drawn up an £8 million plan for a multi-purpose complex in Mansfield Street, off Foss Islands Road.

They say a gambling venue there would aid the regeneration of the area, and benefit the city.

The council conducted a city-wide consultation on the issue, but it prompted a mere 30 responses.