Leader is quizzed on Twitter over Telford & Wrekin Council

Councillor Kuldip Sahota used the council's Twitter page in an hour long question and answer session during which he was quizzed over a variety of issues including proposed supermarkets in Newport, finances of the council, regeneration and the move of the council offices.

It is the second time Councillor Sahota has taken to the micro-blogging site to take questions from the public.

He said: "It went very well and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

"There was a real mixture of questions from everyone, from planning to the Wellington Clifton cinema.

"I was there from 10.30am and was there until just after 11.30am and there was a constant flow of questions coming in."

Website Telford Live asked what had been the toughest decision he had had to make since becoming leader of the council.

Councillor Sahota replied: "Trying to steer the council through tough financial environment and creating a viable budget to meet govt cuts."

Twitter user Martin Evans, from Newport, asked: "Why is a supermarket built on a greenfield site is more beneficial to Newport that a supermarket on a brownfield site?"

Councillor Sahota said the council was in a legal challenge over the site, and the decision to cut legal Section 106 payments, which are paid by the developer to offset the impact on the area, could cost the council up to £3 million.

On the subject of Clifton building in Wellington, Councillor Sahota was asked whether he would support a community plan to create an arts centre at the ex-cinema.

He said he was in favour of turning the old building into a community hub but the council were currently unable to fund it.

There were also questions about the closure of Jiggers Bank, and the declaration of councillors interests.