THE final straw for the Spirit of Teignmouth project was a huge demand for business rates from Teignbridge Council. Skipper Simon Chalk, of Newton Abbot, said that a demand for £25,000 business rates on top of rent was unexpected. The district authority agreed a £50,000 security bond with Mr Chalk and it then sought to cash it in when the project went into rent arrears. Mr Chalk said: 'I would have expected the council to contact me first before approaching the bank. 'It meant that the bank lost confidence in the project at the point when we were on the final push,' he said. But Cllr Alan Connett, leader of Teignbridge Council, said that it was not in any way responsible for Mr Chalk's present difficulties. 'On the contrary, we have worked together with Mr Chalk throughout every stage of the project, 'There was never an agreement to allow Mr Chalk to use the building rent or business rates free, and the fact that he would be responsible for both these ongoing commitments was made very clear and agreed from the beginning. 'Rent and business rates are standard responsibilities for all tenants, and we did not feel it appropriate or fair to other rent and business rate payers in the district to make an exception in this case. ' Finally, it is important to stress that our agreement was with Mr Chalk rather than his company so any difficulties being experienced by the company could be the results of action by other creditors rather than by Teignbridge Council. 'We are naturally disappointed by today's decision, but would reassure residents and visitors to the area that we will now concentrate our efforts on ensuring the restoration of the Den is completed,' he said. Teignmouth town councillors have united in their sadness at the end of the project, but remain divided on the news. Mayor Cllr Geoff Bladon said: 'It is a shame that a dream that would have put Teignmouth on the map has come to an end, but it could not be allowed to drag on. 'Let's get on and get the site cleared to make way for facilities for our young people to enjoy. Cllr David Cox said he was pleased that the 'tax payer has not lost out.' 'It is a great shame but we now look to move on rather than having arguments and finger pointing. Cllr Sylvia Russell said it was a 'personal tragedy for Simon. 'Teignmouth stood to gain so much. A lot of people are going to be dismayed and feel huge disappointment but he is still determined to see it through,' she said. Cllr Roy Phillips: 'I feel sorry for him, those who work there and also for the suppliers that he owes. 'As for the councillors that passed it, they should do the honourable thing and resign. 'We all wanted it to succeed but there was not a reasoned debate about the best location,' he said.
