A REGENERATION taskforce of eight cabinet ministers has been appointed to deliver jobs to east Manchester lost in the race for Britain’s first super casino.

In a private meeting with Gordon Brown, council leader Sir Richard Leese and deputy leaders have been given the PM’s personal support and told by Mr Brown that he wants to speed up work on a casino alternative.

The result is a high-level group of top MPs tasked with finding a way to generate 2,700 - 3,500 jobs for local people - equivalent to those promised by the doomed casino leisure development at Eastlands.

In response the council has dropped its threat of legal action over the promised £265M investment snatched away when the government reneged on its plan for a super casino in February.

Sir Richard Leese told the Advertiser: "The city council will do everything it can to protect the interests of the city and its residents and we are convinced that there is more to be gained for Manchester by working with the government than from confronting them in the court room.

"Given everything else going on at the moment, the very fact that the Prime Minster was willing to give us some of his time is a clear indication of his commitment and the importance he places on progressing the projects announced earlier this year.

"We are very pleased to have his backing but will continue to put pressure on government to ensure the promises are delivered to the people of east Manchester."

The task group - meeting every two months - includes culture minister Andy Burnham, who received a rough reception from local councillors during a visit to the Velodrome shortly after announcing in Parliament that the casino deal was off.

Also round the table will be health minister Alan Johnson, work and pensions secretary James Purnell, transport minister Ruth Kelly, minister for the north west Beverley Hughes, secretary of state for business and enterprise John Hutton and innovation minister John Denham.

Chairing the ‘ministerial group for regeneration in Manchester’ is secretary of state for communities and local government Hazel Blears, widely criticised for failing to come up with any alternatives when tasked to do so by Gordon Brown last year.

An Olympic standard national BMX centre, national skills centre for hospitality and facilities management, digital and animation business cluster with associated skills centre, and digital developments based on Next Generation connectivity are the regeneration possibilities being looked at. The relocation of government functions to Manchester is also being considered.