Town council's caution over Trop plan

21 November 2009

WESTON Town Council will not commit to any Tropicana development until definite options are drawn up.

But fast action is needed to develop the site and make it an asset for Weston, according to its leader, Councillor Andrew Horler.

However, he insists no promises from the town authority can be made until a set of alternative plans are drawn up.

He was speaking days after it was revealed that Henry Boot's £48million redevelopment plan had been scrapped because of the 'tough economic climate'.

Cllr Horler said: "Like everybody else I am extremely disappointed that the Henry Boot scheme has fallen through.

"So much is happening in Weston with the seafront works, the pier and Pier Square as well as new businesses and shops opening up despite the global recession.

"It would be a great shame to not have the Tropicana developed in some way and the people of Weston are desperate to see something happen there."

Cllr Horler has arranged meetings with the leader, Nigel Ashton, and chief executive, Graham Turner, of North Somerset Council to ensure the town council is consulted on any progress.

Town clerk Malcolm Nicholson said he would not rule out the authority's involvement with any project in the future.