Crunch meeting over glass centre

A PUBLIC meeting is to be held today between Sunderland City Council's leader and campaigners to discuss the future of the National Glass Centre.

- NIC MARKO

The National Glass Centre in Sunderland

The meeting is scheduled to take place at Sunderland's City Hall from 6pm until 8pm.

It comes after in September, Castle ward councillor Denny Wilson issued an ultimatum to Labour council leader Michael Mordey over the glass centre.

The site is due to close next July, with owners the University of Sunderland citing unaffordable repair costs.

In September, Coun Wilson threatened to resign as a Labour councillor at the end of September and stand as an independent in a by-election unless the council's leader agreed to host an “open and honest public debate” about the future of the centre.

He said he was doing this to “focus the council's attention on the truth to come out” and added he hoped the meeting would provide a forum for key parties to discuss issues around the NGC, including repair estimates.

At the start of October, Coun Wilson confirmed he did not resign because it was agreed that Coun Mordey would facilitate the meeting requested.