A casino on the coast has closed for good after the cash-strapped firm running the site racked up heavy losses during lockdown.

Genting's Margate branch, in Zion Place, is one of three clubs the company has shut in a bid to restructure its business.

Staff had been told last month that they would be made redundant as a consultation on the venue's closure began.

A spokesman for the firm later said: "We are having to make some heartbreaking decisions about the future of the business and it is with huge regret that job losses are simply unavoidable.”

The Thanet venue has been shutdown along with Genting gambling houses in Bristol and Torquay.

However, Grosvenor Casino has revealed that its site in Westwood Cross, Broadstairs, will be reopening tomorrow.

This comes after the government announced further lockdown easing late last night, allowing more businesses to reopen this weekend.

Grosvenor managing director Jonathon Swaine said: “We’re delighted with the decision and we are ready to reopen our casinos in England in line with government guidance, having already proved we not only comply with, but exceed, the hygiene and safety standards set by Public Health England.

“We’ve been ready to reopen safely for a number of weeks and we are delighted we can now finally welcome back our customers to enjoy our casinos safely once more.”

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