MORE than 15,000 people have signed a petition to campaign against plans to redevelop Weston s Tropicana.

MORE than 15,000 people have signed a petition to campaign against plans to redevelop Weston's Tropicana.

The signatures, which are on sheets of paper filling 15 folders, have been collected by members of the Tropicana Regeneration and Development Association (TRADA) in the Weston area.

Around 10,000 were collected in the last five months alone, and TRADA had a target to make this 15,000 by the time North Somerset Council discuss the issue.

The proposals were handed in on Tuesday to North Somerset Council.

The number of signatures is almost the number of votes cast at the last town council elections.

The signatures will be handed to North Somerset Council in batches of 500 every week to keep councillors aware of the support for their campaign.

TRADA is protesting against the proposals, drawn-up by Henry Boot Developments

and Life Property Limited for the site in Marine Parade, which include a 96-bed hotel, a water park, bowling alley, cinema and 12 restaurants.

New plans for the development were published in the Weston & Somerset Mercury on February 7 following calls to lower the height of it.

Original proposals showed the complex to be six storeys high but public pressure caused them to be amended so it will only be four storeys high.

The beach car park was also removed from the plans, making the footprint of the development a lot smaller.

Mr Whittington said: "We think a development should be built in stages so at least swimming facilities could be completed sooner.

TRADA will be holding meetings to discuss the Tropicana at the United Reformed Church in Waterloo Street today (Thurs), March 20 and April 24, all at 2.30pm.

Join the debate by logging on to our forums at www.thewestonmercury.co.uk