"We need the visitor economy - that's why Wetherspoon's decision was such a kick in the teeth," explains Dan Davies.
It's a Thursday afternoon and the founder of Rockpoint Leisure is sitting at a raised table inside Rockpoint Records - one of a number of businesses bringing new life to old buildings in New Brighton. Dan, 49, sips from a coffee and explains to the ECHO it's five years to the day since he first opened a bank account in the name of Rockpoint Leisure and deposited £1m to regenerate the north Wirral seaside town.
But concerns have been raised in the local community for the town's future following last week's news that JD Wetherspoon has abandoned its £3m development plans along the promenade. Just days after the pub chain confirmed to the ECHO that work was set to continue on the revamp, a spokesperson announced it would be pulling the plug on the Master Mariner project.
