The Mayor of Liverpool has blocked plans for a zip wire course in the city.
Joe Anderson called in Zip World’s proposal to install an aerial line running through the city centre between St John’s Beacon and Central Library.
Several retail and hospitality businesses in the city gave their backing to the controversial new venture in the belief it would help boost the local economy.
But concerns over the route passing several city landmarks led to a petition from the local Liberal Democrats, who said “Liverpool city centre is not a funfair.”
Mayor Anderson insists Wednesday’s intervention of the £4 million project was swayed by Zip World’s plans to use the council-owned Library as a landing spot.
However the council leader also revealed that he is preparing to work with the company to identify more suitable locations within the city for their venture.
He said: “As Mayor, I do not interfere in the planning process.
“However, I do have the final decision on whether a building owned by the council should be used in such a way.
“I have serious concerns about using this area and, having spoken to the company, could not let them progress further, knowing I would not support it.”
Zip World’s co-founder Sean Taylor described the Mayor’s decision to personally veto their plans as a ‘setback’ and remains hopeful of opening a site in the city.
He said: “We have long said that we take the views of all stakeholders seriously but even the doubters readily accept the huge economic contribution an attraction like Zip World can bring to Liverpool.
“We have had tremendous support from the business community and despite the background noise on social media, Zip World has a great deal of support from local people.
“I am sure there is a big future for Zip World in Liverpool.”