Huddersfield’s new casino shuts just weeks after opening

Nov 24 2008 by Emma Davison, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Casino Red, sign,

Friends William Knight and Leigh Tinney, who had moved from Blackpool to take up jobs as croupiers at the casino, are devastated that their dream jobs are now in the balance.

They had been working at the casino for just four weeks when they heard the news via a phone call from a work colleague.

William’s mother, Kim, said: “My son’s absolutely devastated. He relocated to Huddersfield especially and it was his dream job. Now he’s in limbo and doesn’t know what he’s going to do. It’s also cost me because I’ve given them both financial assistance to come here.

“They were told over the phone that everyone had been called into a meeting and informed that unless the company could find a rescue package in the next 30 days it would not reopen.

“I know there’s a credit crunch but I never thought for one minute that this £5m luxury casino would fold within weeks of people starting work. After all the money that’s been invested in it and all the hype it’s just unbelievable.

“This is going to affect a lot of people as the company was a big investor in the town. I just hope that someone steps in to save the 100 jobs that have been lost overnight.”