Councillor Steve Siddons has reacted to what he called deliberate misinformation regarding plans for the old Argos building in Scarborough.
Councillor Siddons, leader of Scarborough Borough Council said:
“There has been a lot of coverage – and much discussion – in the last week or so about the revised proposals to redevelop the Argos building in Scarborough town centre.
“There have been allegations of ‘done deals’, and suggestions that we are completely ignoring feedback.
“While construction costs nationally have clearly risen over the last year, dubious maths about rising costs have been used to fuel claims about the financial viability of the project and people with an axe to grind have used public forums to whip up untruths.
“The amount of deliberate misinformation being spread about this scheme is worrying.
“I would specifically like to address the issue of car parking which appears to be causing some concern.
“Residents of the building will not be issued with parking permits or scratch cards for on street parking.
“Separately, we are working with the county council to carry out a review of on street parking in Scarborough old town.
“The need to do something with the ugly former Argos building has been on the agenda as far back as 2003. It is not an overnight issue.
“Finding a new purpose for this site is central to our transformative plans for Scarborough.
“However, given the fact rumours and inaccurate information are circulating, I think there is a need to pause and take stock and I have therefore asked for the planning application to be deferred to December.
“While there is a desire for us to get on with this project, I do recognise there is a need for further engagement so the point of the overall scheme can be explained and clarified.
“We are arranging meetings with stakeholders such as residents, business groups and students and young people so we can understand any concerns they have about these proposals.
“I urge people not to get caught up in the rhetoric and to see this as our opportunity to finally fix this unloved part of Scarborough.
“Together with the complementary proposals for a new St Helens Square and more visible Market Hall, we could transform our town centre.
“The alternative is that the ugly Argos building will remain for years to come.”
Community Rallies to Secure Future of Overdale Site as £3 Million Fund Faces ‘Use It or Lose It’ Deadline
Further Scarborough Bathing Water Summit Meetings Might Not be Needed
Whitby Road Closures Announced for Spital Bridge Junction
Super Dom Causes Guisborough Tears As Scarborough Athletic Progress
Pickering Town Leave It Late As Frickley Pay Penalty
Scarborough and Whitby MP Re-elected as Chair of All-Party Parliamentary Group for Coastal Communities
Filey to Get New Mayor
Drug Dealer Jailed After Being Caught by Undercover Officers in Scarborough
Hornsea Man Sentenced After Inappropriately Touching Teenager
North Yorkshire Police on 101 Boost
Scarborough Seaweed Pioneers Secure Six-Figure Funding for ‘Blue Economy’ Expansion
North Yorkshire Tourism Advisory Group Holds First Meeting
Comments
Add a comment