Sir, – George Dunning and his Redcar and Cleveland Council Labour cabinet used to claim that the Vertical Pier was the best thing since sliced bread. They have always contended that this ill-conceived and misnamed edifice would have the effect of swamping Redcar with tourists and regeneration monies.

Why then are they now paying over £49,000 to Cool Blue Brand Communications to promote and market the Vertical Pier for a six month period, with an optional additional six month extension, making the probable total cost over £98,000?

What about the council tax payer, who is funding this and, at the same time, losing essential services because of Labour’s extravagance? Why not use the council’s own communications section? One last question: Is Labour at last admitting that their favourite icon is universally unpopular and will never sell itself?

STEVE KAY Lockwood ward councillor.