Red tape triumphs over blue building (From Western Telegraph)

Red tape triumphs over blue building

Although Haverfordwest's controversial blue building is now a muddier shade of pale, the battle is not over.

West Wales Properties.co.uk principal Neil Evans says that, now that he has complied with the county council's dictum and the threat of possible criminal conviction has been lifted, he plans to bring the councillors and officials to account.

"This is not the end as far as I am concerned," he said.

"I intend taking the officials to court over this issue on the grounds of discrimination. I look forward to the day when the leader and certain officials stand in the witness box and try to justify their action. I am going to go all the way - and I hope the case will be heard before next May's county council elections."

Mr Evans said passing members of the public had expressed dismay over the bland magnolia colour with which the painters had covered the offending Victorian blue which had majority public, town council, civic society and Cadw support.

"I think it is ridiculous that I have been singled out and forced to change the colour when there was such a public outcry to keep the blue, and that officers who are paid employees have ignored the democratic process, using delegated powers which have denied the elected members any say. They were banking on the fact that I would not risk a criminal prosecution."

Mr Evans claimed that the constitution of the council, with 40 out of 60 members 'independent' and unable to call in the application, gave officials delegated powers unique in Wales.

"I think my court case for discrimination could prove very embarrassing for certain individuals," he added.

The company's corporate blue will survive only on the band behind the name and on the plinth around the base.

q The charge brought against Mr Evans, by Pembrokeshire County Council - that of failing to comply with the listed building enforcement notice - was withdrawn when the case came before Haverfordwest magistrates on Monday.

Mr Wyn Rees, speaking on behalf of Mr Evans, who did not attend, said: "That which was once blue is now a beautiful shade of magnolia."