Manchester council has confirmed that it will consider taking legal action if plans for a regional supercasino are dropped.

A spokesperson said: “If the plans aren’t going ahead, we will consider challenging the government.”

The council denied recent reports that the government had already suspended the Manchester project. Last week, the BBC said it had a leaked letter that proved the government was scrapping the Manchester casino. “The government’s statement is still that no decision has been taken,” the council spokesperson said.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is expected to make an official announcement on casino construction plans next week after the half-term recess.

If the plans aren’t going ahead, we will consider challenging the government manchester council

The councils that have applied for smaller casinos are still being consulted on whether they would like to go ahead with the plans.

For the history of the supercasino, search www.building.co.uk/archive

Newham council, the only London council on the shortlist, has put its plans on hold while carrying out a public consultation. A spokesperson for the Newham Council said the casino plans were not going ahead before the people had had their say.