STATEMENT ON OYSTER COVE STEPS

2.59.35pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 18th Jun 2008

Commenting on the Torbay Council press release about Oyster Cove Steps, Councillor Christine Carter said:

"I am pleased that work is going to finally start on the Oyster Cove Steps following a long campaign.

"I am disappointed however that work is only starting now that the summer season is already underway (and the work will not be completed until July), especially as the Conservative Mayor originally promised that the work would be done last winter. Given the bad state the steps are in and the fact that they were threatened with closure last year for safety reasons, it is a blessing that no accidents have taken place there with the length of time it has taken to get them fixed.

"Contrary to what was stated in the Council press release, the delay in starting the work has been down to waiting for planning permission and not for financial reasons.

"I understand that the steps will be closed for the two to three week period that the work is underway.

"Local residents and I are pleased that the steps are finally being fixed, and I would like to thank local people for their support on this issue."