HAMPSHIRE'S most senior clergymen have joined forces to criticise plans to bring a big new casino to Southampton.

The bishops of Winchester and Southampton have appealed to council chiefs to reconsider their bid for one of eight super casino licences up for grabs across the country.

They fear it will lead to a huge rise in alcohol abuse and debt.

Southampton is one of 31 places to apply for the new licences from the Casino Advisory Panel. The results are due to be announced at the end of the month.

But the two Church of England bishops have both spoken out against any new gambling attraction for the city.

Bishop of Southampton, the Rt Rev Paul Butler, said: "At a time when we are aware of the major issues caused by alcohol abuse and debt, I am concerned that the city council should be considering a development that would actively increase both."

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, Southampton is seen as one of the favourites for a large casino as it fits much of the panel's criteria for a suitable site including the need for regeneration in an inner-city area.

The Bishop of Winchester, the Rt Rev Michael Scott Joynt, said regeneration was not enough to warrant a new larger casino.

Southampton City Council leader Councillor Adrian Vinson said hopes for a casino were still at their earliest stage and no decisions or plans had yet been made.

"There will no doubt be mixed views, as well as from all parties of the city council if a licence is granted, but at the moment we have just submitted our interest in one, any decisions will be thoroughly discussed by the full council and will only be made with the required support from the majority of members."

He added that the council would not make any decisions to build a casino without making sure support programmes were in place to help people who may fall victim to gambling addictions.