I READ in the Mercury that Boot has decided not to honour the start date of the Tropicana,

I READ in the Mercury that Boot has decided not to honour the start date of the Tropicana, which I would have thought was an integral part of the contract.

No new date is agreed. "It is out of our hands" according to Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, although I cannot see why, and Boot will be deciding to proceed - if they ever do - when it suits them. A classic example of the tail wagging the dog!

Gordon Brown is now being blamed for the continuation of this 10 year debate. "Because of the economic climate and no-one is in a hurry to do anything," said Cllr Ap Rees. This statement does not square with the speed and energy applied to the �34 million development of the Grand Pier.

The difference of course of that the pier is owned by businessmen whose livelihood depends on the professional development of the assets, a situation not applicable to council officers whose substantial salaries are secure whether the Tropicana development succeeds or fails.

Is there no independent agency (ombudsman) which could re-examine this 10 year fiasco with the object of securing the obvious major requirement of a seaside resort, namely a dedicated swimming pool on the seafront? Perhaps our energetic MP, Mr Penrose, has an opinion on this he would like to share?

K A KIDGER

Highbury Road

Weston