Council questioned over Colonnade plan

David Foster said he was "astonished" to discover the council had allocated so much money to "essential" extensive repairs when he estimated the cost of the work in the region of 3,000.

He claims that in 2005/6 he was invited by the owner of the cafe at the Colonnade to look at the property and reported on its condition.

He told the Observer: "I found dampness penetrating through the rear wall and part of the roof and reported it was caused by defects to the asphalt paving above and the surface water drains to the paving. I met with the council's estate officer and he agreed and put in hand the repairs.

"There were damp stains in the cafe but after the repairs were done to the paving, I understand they have not increased.

"I would have thought that the cost of repair that I reported would not have been excessive, maybe 3,000, so I wonder why now, only a few years on, 400,000 is needed?

"I know that I am only a local hick surveyor, without the grandioseness of the council's consultants, but there is an awfully large difference between the opinions."

He described the planned expenditure as "ridiculous" and added: "I don't think they need to spend anything on it now. What I found wrong was repaired. I have been in the cafe once or twice since then, and there was no water coming in.

"They might well be spending the money on other bits - there is the western side and the beach patrol office - but it cannot warrant spending 400,000, because you can rebuild the place for that.

"I think they have just snatched a figure out of the air...thinking if the work costs less they would be good boys because they got it done cheaper."

A Council spokesman commented: 'As we have said before, water penetration is a clear issue at the Colonnade, as evidenced by our survey work and supported by photographs seen in the Observer.

"Refurbishment issues affect the whole Colonnade, not just the caf element to which members of the public have access. This grade II listed building needs this essential maintenance work in order to preserve it for future generations."