Councillors “being sold a pig on a poke” as Tropicana vote passes and meeting interrupted

Councillors have overwhelmingly voted in favour of North Somerset Council continuing its journey to give custodianship of the Tropicana to Live Nation.

Cllr Mike Bell opened the meeting thanking members for their scrutiny of the information presented to them and acknowledged the anxiety and risks that came with the decision that needed to be made.

(Photo: Weston Independent News)

He also thanked residents for their engagement in recent weeks over the topic and highlighted that the circumstances had changed around the proposal and that any borrowing or financial approval that was required for the project would require a further vote by North Somerset Councillors.

Cllr Bell also assured members that before any irreversible decisions were made, members would be informed and consulted.

He also highlighted a restoration levy as a significant change in the proposal which would generate additional funding.

To finish his opening remarks he signalled his support for the project and called the proposal “game changing for Weston-super-Mare, a town that is effectively a City by the Sea”

Next to speak was Cllr Catherine Gibbons, deputy leader of North Somerset Council and Labour Party Group Leader.

Cllr Gibbons signalled her support for the proposal but highlighted how this was “not a blank cheque” and if circumstances changed North Somerset Council can “pause, challenge and ultimately walk away”

Cllr Ashley Cartman (Long Ashton) said he “had serious doubts over this sticking plaster decision” and questioned the credibility of the project that was being discussed. He further said “how can we justify cutting children’s services whilst using finances to underwrite the Tropicana”

Next up was Cllr John Crockford-Hawley (Hillside) who spoke passionately against the proposal. He said “we are being sold a pig on a poke” and replied to Cllr Thomas Daw support for the project with “how the hell do you know what young people want”

Cllr Croxford-Hawley said members were being “sold a pig on a poke” (Photo: Weston Independent News)

This was followed by a member of the public interrupting the meeting shouting “this man, John Crockford-Hawley is the voice of the people” before being escorted out by security.

Cllr Stuart Davies (Wick St Lawrence & St George’s) also spoke against the project saying “it would be a ball and chain around North Somerset Council” and “would result in financial loss for the authority”. He further highlighted how residents were clearly in favour of a Lido.

Cllr Michael Pryke (Clevedon Walton) said “we should dare to dream” and would vote in favour of the scheme.

The meeting was then bought to a vote on the issue which resulted in 34 vote in favour, 6 against and 3 abstentions.