Delays intensify car park dispute

Council leader James Alexander claimed the deal would provide new jobs and at least £2m for a scheme, to revitalise the city centre.

However, outraged traders said losing the car park would potentially affect their businesses and launched the Save Union Terrace Car Park campaign in protest.

On Saturday, they redoubled their efforts – going from shop to shop with a petition.

Councillor Alexander announced yesterday that he had delayed the decision on selling off the property that was expected next week.

Liberal Democrat councillors welcomed the announcement – but called on him to back up his claims that the decision was delayed after a report from the previous administration came to light.

Lib Dem group leader Coun Carol Runciman said: “I am clear that the executive were not having any discussions about the sale on Union Terrace and we requested no such report.

“I have written to Coun Alexander asking him to produce a copy of the report, along with evidence that it was requested by Liberal Democrat councillors.

“I think Coun Alexander needs to be honest with residents, who will be suspicious that this report has only come to light at a time when public anger has forced him to delay the decision.”

But Coun Alexander said the decision had been delayed because the report had come to light and it was clear more work was needed on looking at alternative coach parking arrangements.

He said the report was commissioned on March 4 while the Liberal Democrats were in control of the council.

Coun Alexander said: “At no point did the Liberal Democrats ask officers to stop work on this project because they backed the scheme.”