Culture secretary confirms 16 smaller casinos in England, including in Leeds and Milton Keynes

The government has announced it is scrapping the super-casino planned for Manchester.

Andy Burnham, culture secretary, confirmed 16 smaller casinos will go ahead in towns including Leeds, Milton Keynes, Swansea and Stranraer.

It is expected that alternative regeneration plans for Manchester will be made.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "We will be scrutinising today's announcement in detail and keeping all options under review.

"We are disappointed with the Government's expected announcement. We believe a regional casino provides the best regeneration benefits for East Manchester and we will continue to pursue this.

The council said it will consider taking legal action against the government if the super-casino plans are not going to be realised.