Bristol Lib Dems respond to the Mayor's arena recommendation
At today's Cabinet meeting the Mayor passed a recommendation to use the Temple Island site for a mixed-use commercial development, rather than the arena. The Bristol Liberal Democrat group is disappointed that the Mayor has failed to listen to the majority of councillors and Bristol citizens. The Lib Dems believe that this decision jeopardises the arena project and fails to provide best value to the people of Bristol.
Responding to the Cabinet's recommendation Anthony Negus, Bristol Liberal Democrat Group Leader, said:
"The Liberal Democrats are very disappointed that despite the large measure of belief from the people of Bristol and councillors about locating the arena at the centre of the city, to support our growth and opportunities for supportive businesses, the Mayor has decided to make a balance sheet decision. This does not demonstrate the confidence that he should be giving out for Bristol and sustaining it's heart."
Gary Hopkins, Bristol Liberal Democrat Deputy Group Leader, added:
"When all the parties except for the Mayor, who failed to turn up, were questioned and cross-examined by the four party scrutiny commission the evidence was clear and they voted ten to one to build the arena at Temple Meads. The decision by the Labour Mayor is a disaster for the cultural and financial well-being of Bristol"