THE news that was announced earlier this month that Boot and North Somerset Council had decided that Boot would withdraw or are no longer to proceed with the Tropicana development came as no real surprise to the majority of local residents.
THE news that was announced earlier this month that Boot and North Somerset Council had decided that Boot would withdraw or are no longer to proceed with the Tropicana development came as no real surprise to the majority of local residents.
Needless to say I am delighted that we will not be subjected to the scheme that more than 25,000 residents and visitors stated - via a massive petition and more than 500 letters - was totally out of keeping on this site.
I am, of course, aware that the loss of the Boot scheme will have an effect upon the local economy and that a number of work placements and jobs will be lost but, being an optimistic individual, believe that the opportunities now on offer will provide a stimulus that will provide challenging alternatives.
Now Councillor Elfan Ap Rees has stated publicly on TV recently and in the press that North Somerset Council would welcome ideas from the public.
More than one month ago I wrote personally to every North Somerset and Weston Town Councillor and sent each one of them a folded sheet of A3 with proposals and possible options for uses and suggested courses of action in the event of the withdrawal or lack of action by Henry Boot on The Tropicana site; with these was a copy of a letter to the Leader of North Somerset Council. It is with regret that I have to say I still have not yet received any response from any person at all. I did indicate I was in touch with a very interested company and would be glad to meet with the North Somerset Council to discuss serious plans.
Thee Tropicana Regeneration and Development Association is still in existence and is considering future positive action.
I am now writing to the chief executive, Graham Turner, with an invitation for North Somerset Council representatives to meet with representatives from this local company.
I am indicating that we would appreciate that an exploratory meeting should be set up. This informal meeting would hopefully answer any questions we may all have and make progress in facilitating the reopening of the Tropicana as soon as possible thus providing a viable attraction and source of income for Weston.
RICHARD L WHITTINGTON
Waterloo Street
Weston
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