CONCERNS about the future of Southampton's inner-city revamp project led opposition politicians to abstain from a vote on appointing directors to the decision-making board.

Lib Dem and Tory city councillors couldn't bring themselves to vote for a housing committee report which recommended senior Labour councillor Paul Jenks continue in his role of heading up the £80 million regeneration project.

Eight of the 16 directors are directly elected by the community, while the rest are appointed by the council. Lib Dem Virginia Moore questioned the process and called for more rigorous selection of board members.

"Some of these people who are to be re-appointed have been on the board throughout, during which the scheme has had problems with underspending," she said.

The major project, which will bring about real physical change in St Mary's, being developed by Bellway Urban Renewal, still hasn't won government approval, though it is now six months behind schedule.

Tory Alec Samuels said: "There has been considerable delay which is causing concern and acrimony, as well as a lack of confidence in the overall scheme.

"Bellway have said they are in some difficulties with planning problems and compulsory purchase and there is some concern that the company that is to carry out the work finds itself in this situation."

But vice-chair Jacquie Rayment dismissed the concern as "rumours". "Fears of problems are unfounded," she said.

Bellway yesterday announced a 12 per cent drop in full year profits to the stock exchange.

Company spokesman Adrian Cootes told the Echo: "We are doing very well. Delays are frustrating and every scheme is under review. But the time when the company would withdraw from Southampton isn't on the horizon yet."

Despite the abstentions, the ruling Labour group pushed through the recommendations and both Paul Jenks and the eight ordinary directors will serve another two-year term.

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