THE firm behind the £45million Dolphin Square development has dismissed concerns about the project’s future as ‘total rubbish’, despite Weston-super-Mare Town Council outlining numerous ‘disappointments’ with the site’s ‘failure’.

Developer McLaren Life has said it remains ‘committed’ to completing the scheme amid fears the use of the Carlton Street site as an overflow car park for the Dismaland exhibit could harm its long-term future, and has pledged to make an announcement on the scheme’s position and a possible start date for works in four weeks’ time.

The site is set to be redeveloped with shops, restaurants and an eight-screen cinema. However, a start date for work on the scheme has been consistently pushed back during the past few years and the area has been left derelict.

A McLaren Life spokesman said: “Any concerns over the future of Dolphin Square are total rubbish. We have always been totally committed to seeing the scheme through and that has not changed at all.”

However, the town council is urging North Somerset Council to take a more ‘pro-active stance and make appropriate financial commitments’ to the scheme.

A motion has been put forward for the next town council meeting tonight (Monday), which slams North Somerset’s ‘laissez-faire attitude’ towards the development and its delays.

The motion said: “This council notes the ongoing failure to deliver the promised development at the Dolphin Square site.

“It has been particularly disappointed in the hasty emptying and demolition of the site before the scheme had been finalised, the unattractive appearance of the now-derelict site, the resultant economic problems suffered by the businesses in the immediate area and North Somerset Council’s laissez-faire attitude to whether any development takes place.

“The town council further resolves to offer to work with North Somerset Council and the developers of the site, and provide any reasonable assistance to help resolve the problems which are preventing the development.”

The motion was put forward by Central ward councillor Robert Payne.

He said: “The intention is to get the town council to encourage North Somerset Council to take a more proactive role in trying to achieve progress in the development of the Dolphin Square site.

“It is clear that Weston people are fed up with the delays and are keen to see something long term happening, but the council gives the impression of being less than bothered about whether any development takes place or not.”