RESIDENTS in Tynedale have voiced their outrage over county council plans to grant an £8.5m loan for a elf-themed tourist attraction in Alnwick.
The current Labour administration’s budget for the next 12 months was agreed at last week’s full council meeting after mounting pressure from councillors to remove provision for the loan to the Duchess of Northumberland.
Her Lilidorei Play Village, which would have an “Elfic Play Structure” as its centrepiece, is aimed at boosting the county’s visitor numbers.
But Hexham West’s Coun. Derek Kennedy handed in a 60-signature petition collected by residents of Warden who are opposed to the loan.
“This is all like Alice Through the Looking Glass to me because I’m really unclear on why the council has turned into this bank,” he told leader, Coun. Grant Davey.
“I, along with a lot of residents I have spoke to, are really uncomfortable with the whole idea.
“How much debt and risk is this council willing to tolerate?”
“I do wish the Alnwick Garden good luck with this venture but they should be asking for a commercial loan from an investment bank, not from the county council.”
Read more in the Hexham Courant here