With only two weeks to go until the crucial council vote on the so-called “vertical pier”, Liberal Democrats on Redcar & Cleveland Council are asking why there is still no business plan in place.

The Labour-run council wants to build a viewing tower on Redcar seafront. This is supported by the Conservatives but opposed by Liberal Democrats and the vast majority of residents.

Lib Dem Group Leader Glyn Nightingale has been trying for months to see a business plan for the new structure, but has now been told that it will not have a business plan of its own. Instead, there will be a joint business plan for the “Hub” and the vertical pier.

Cllr Glyn Nightingale said:

“Why has the Labour council grouped together two projects which are completely separate? I can only think that Labour are trying to hide the real costs of the vertical pier by lumping it in with something else.”

“This is not the open and transparent council that Labour promised.”

However, Liberal Democrats are pleased that the council is considering changing the name of the new building, if it goes ahead. Cllr Nightingale added:

“Calling it a “vertical pier” is a complete joke. The term was Labour’s crude attempt to fob off residents because they were not prepared to go for a real pier. If we must have this monstrosity on the seafront we should at least call it something sensible. It’s a welcome u-turn to seek a more realistic name.”