THERE can be few people in Weston who are surprised that the latest scheme to redevelop the Tropicana has collapsed.

THERE can be few people in Weston who are surprised that the latest scheme to redevelop the Tropicana has collapsed.

The writing has been on the wall for some time - as most people not sitting in the Town Hall seemed to grasp from day one.

The swimming pool on the Tropicana site was opened 72 years ago. Pre-war Westonians recognised that investment in a civic pool on the seafront made sense.

Sixty years later, councillors closed the Tropicana promising the world with new schemes from Mace Estates and Henry Boot. A decade later and nothing has been achieved.

The fault lies squarely with those who have refused to listen to public opinion. Sixty one percent of residents responding to the council's own public consultation on the site said they wanted a publicly funded covered pool. Only eleven percent backed Henry Boot.

But councillors pressed ahead with Henry Boot, and nothing has been achieved. Councillor Elfan Ap Rees may have many positive attributes, but solving the Tropicana scheme is not among them.

He has been in charge of this project for most of the last decade. He should admit he got things wrong and make way for someone with new ideas. If he won't go, then his leader should sack him.

He has personally championed a succession of failed schemes and acted as chief cheerleader for both Mace and Henry Boot. He should not be given a chance to make the wrong choice a third time.

MIKE BELL

Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Weston

George Street, Weston