Nuneaton's 'white elephant' climbing tower's fate could be sealed

Borough council bosses have admitted they are going to sell the controversial climbing tower - which has cost tax payers £42 every time a child used it



Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council is proposing to off-load the climbing wall, just three years after it was bought.

However, the Town Hall does plan to continue to 'by-back' its services.

At the time when the council said it was going to buy the wall, for a price of £40,000, resident Michele Kondakor raised serious concerns.

But the Town Hall said it would help the battle against obesity, give people the chance to try a new sport and would also end up paying for itself in terms of income.

Further anger was caused when the council revealed that it would not be free to use with a cost of £1 per person being imposed.

In a bid to recoup money spent on the tower, the council entered into a partnership with a provider, Epic Outdoors, to take the climbing wall to events.

But, following a review, this has not proven to be as successful as first thought.

Phil Richardson, director of arts, leisure and democracy at the Town Hall, said: “Internal Audit reviewed the options on a cost basis and, having assessed the options available, concluded that the most economical option would be to sell the climbing tower and buy-back the service.

"Officers have accepted this recommendation and will look to implement the option when the contract comes up for renewal.

"At present the climbing tower service is being delivered in partnership with Nuneaton Harriers, at an annual cost to the council of approximately £20,000.”

Almost as incompetent as CCC