IT is a shame that Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg has been so poorly briefed (Guardian, May 7).

The current proposal to develop the Arcade has been under active consideration and known to cabinet members including our Lib Dem allies for nine months.

The bailout sound-bite he swallowed smacks of lack of understanding. There is no bailout, it is simply the change to the funding arrangements made necessary by the inclusion of the public swimming pool and fitness facilities.

Recent European Court rulings mean that the council has been advised to re-tender, which it intends to do. The question has never arisen of breaking the law and perhaps Nick Clegg should apologise for making this assertion.

It is a shame that Nick Clegg swallowed the do nothing and fester option when there is a perfectly good project ready to go. We all know new developments provoke reaction.

Does he really want to deprive the 50,000 people who live within a mile of the Arcade of a much desired new cinema multiplex, much needed housing, a wonderful leisure facility, jobs and a boost for local shops, only to leave them with a hole in the ground?

Cllr Terry Wheeler, Cabinet member for regeneration.