A WIRRAL union leader has launched a campaign against plans for a £6m seafront casino at New Brighton.

Alec McFadden, secretary of Wirral TUC, has set the union on collision course with developers as well as the constituency MP Angela Eagle.

His stance came after last week's announcement that one of the UK's leading casino operators, Grosvenor, plans to open up in New Brighton.

The casino is scheduled to be ready for business next spring and is part of development company Neptune's major project at Marine Point.

It is claimed the casino would bring around 120 jobs to the resort.

Mr McFadden told the Globe: "We're totally opposed to this because it will do absolutely nothing for our community.

"All it will do is attract a small minority of people from all over the region to come here and gamble.

"There's a lot of unemployment around this area and the last thing we need here is a casino.

"My view is that it will be a bad asset for the area."

Neptune's development director Rob Mason said he was surprised and disappointed by Mr McFadden’s comments.

He said: "I'm amazed that in the current economic climate a trade unionist is fronting up a campaign to oppose job creation.

"The investment we're bringing - including very well-paid jobs - will be welcomed by people not just in New Brighton but across Wirral.

"I think Mr McFadden has got his priorities and objectives completely wrong."

Wallasey MP Angela Eagle has already given her backing to the plan.

She said: "There is a real optimism about the future of New Brighton since the multi-million pound regeneration programme started.

"The waterfront development looks amazing and is providing opportunity and jobs for local people.

"It is sad that a handful of people are trying to stand in the way of further investment."