TORIES in Southampton are pledging a public vote on a Las Vegas-style casino if they win power in the local elections.

The Conservative group is campaigning on the promise of letting residents have their say on whether Southampton should become a venue for a new "large casino" as proposed by the Government.

Legal technicalities mean the vote cannot be a binding referendum but Tory deputy leader Royston Smith said: "If we have a significant vote either way we would support that."

He said views were mixed within his own party between balancing the need to attract investment and regeneration and concerns over an increase in problem gambling and addictions.

"We are trying to bring democracy closer to the people of Southampton," Councillor Smith said. "It's a healthy way to go."

The vote would most likely be held alongside planned elections.

Cllr Smith said if successful other issues of "significant public concern" could be put to the electorate.

The casino pledge comes as licensing chiefs at Southampton City Council were today due to discuss the steps they would take to award a casino licence, despite the House of Lords rejecting Government plans to allow one in the city.

The surprise choice of Manchester over Blackpool for a "super-casino" prompted The Lords last month to reject a package which included Southampton among 16 smaller casinos.

Civic leaders had earmarked the casino, which could create up to 350 jobs, for the derelict Royal Pier and a number of operators had expressed an interest.

The Government says its casino plans are still alive although is unlikely to bring back any revised proposals until after the local elections.

Richard Ivory, assistant solicitor to the city council, said it would not have been in a position to legally accept any applications from potential operators until the autumn so the delay was unlikely to cause problems.

One third of the seats on deadlocked Southampton City Council are up for election.