Council Press Release claims that there was 'extensive public consultation.'

A trawl of the South Tyneside website produced this result. Below is their press release announcing the hotel development.


South Tyneside Council
Press releases
9 Aug 2007
Landmark Luxury Hotel Planned For South Shields

"The regeneration of South Shields Foreshore has taken a major step forward after South Tyneside Council appointed Tavistock Leisure Ltd as its preferred developer for a £15 million luxury hotel and conference venue, which will be the largest facility of its kind in the region."

It goes on ...

"A Foreshore Working Group, chaired by the Council's Deputy Leader, Councillor Iain Malcolm, was set up three years ago to oversee any projects for the area. It carried out extensive public consultation with local residents, sports, heritage and business organisations before determining that a high-quality hotel would be the preferred development option for the stadium site." More ...


But it appears as though many signing the petition are unaware that a public consultation took place, never mind an 'extensive one.'


Perhaps Councillor Iain Malcolm can explain if this consultation was the extensive one that was referred to here ... 'Last Call for Gypsies Green Ideas' ....in 2004 ... some 3 years ago!!!

Councillor Iain Malcolm's contact details are here but he does hold surgeries where concerned constituents can go and raise matters:

"I usually hold my ward surgeries every Saturday morning 10 am – 11 am Horsley Hill Community Centre, Horsley Hill Square, South Shields and last Saturday of every month 10 am – 11 am Euryalus Court, Bamburgh Avenue, South Shields. Please check individual dates and times with Dorothy Willcock, Members Support Officer on 0191 424 7302 or at dorothy.willcock@southtyneside.gov.uk "

Democracy in action ... pop along and see him and ask about the consultation.