A GAMING company says it has created 10 new jobs after opening a slots and bingo arcade in Crewe.

MERKUR Slots' gaming centre in Market Street features the latest bingo and digital slot machines.

Cheshire East Council gave planning permission in June of this year for a change of use of the ground floor and first floor vacant retail unit to an adult gaming centre.

At the time Crewe Town councillors expressed their concerns over the introduction of more gambling machine outlets in the town centre because of the "growing impact and risks of gambling addictions on a national scale".

But German company MERKUR says the £200,000 centre has an emphasis on low-stake gaming and pay-outs ranging from £5 to £500.

The centre also has an extensive library of new and classic games, while customers, who have to be aged 18 plus, also receive unlimited free refreshments.

MERKUR says its recent opening is part of a nationwide programme that will see it invest over £10 million on UK high streets over the next six-months.

Mark Schertle, chief operating officer of MERKUR Slots' parent company MERKUR Casino UK, said: "We pride ourselves on our continued investment in UK high streets, and so it means a lot to be able to support the local community and economy in Crewe through the creation of these new jobs.

"We are well on course to create 500 jobs nationwide by the end of the year."

He added: "Our aim with this new state-of-the-art entertainment centre is to give both new and existing customers a unique gaming experience in an environment that reflects the scale of the investment."

MERKUR Slots are part of the Gauselmann Group, which trades in over 40 European countries.

In the UK it currently operates over 180 high street adult gaming centres, as well as three bingo clubs.