A global leisure company has delivered a blistering attack on Southend Council over the failed £5.1 million crystal pavilion plan for the town's world-famous pier.

Larry Kehoe, managing director of AMF, stepped into the row yesterday (Wednesday) after Southend-based JBR Leisure ditched the ambitious blueprint after talks broke down with council officials.

He was forced to lodge new proposals for a replica bowling alley on the pier after the scheme collapsed.

Speaking yesterday - the fifth anniversary of the pier pavilion fire - Mr Kehoe insisted JBR Leisure had lodged glowing references and testimonials as proof of financial backing for the project - despite claims to the contrary from council officials.

He said: "Full, extensive and very satisfactory references in respect of JBR Leisure were submitted on August 6, 1999.

"No response has been received from the council in respect of those references. In particular, the council has not asked for further information, neither has it indicated that the references are in the least way unsatisfactory.

"The council was also adamant that it had supplied AMF with details about the strength of the pier platform. AMF has not received any such details having pressed on various occasions for them."

Mr Kehoe said his company remained committed to the crystal pavilion plans. He added: "We are seeking to persuade the council to commit also, for the benefit of all concerned - especially the community."

Southend's chief executive and town clerk, George Krawiec, hit back at AMF .

He said: "AMF should not use schemes put forward by other companies as a smokescreen for its own negotiations with the council.

"The council is not prepared to negotiate through the media with AMF on its proposals to fulfill the legal obligations which it has, not only with the council, but also with the people of Southend."

He offered a meeting with AMF to get all the issues "satisfactorily resolved".

Council leader, Charles Latham said AMF had a clear legal obligation to the council and the council had been more than patient.

Site under discussion - Southend's most famous landmark

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