PLANS for a multi-million pound redevelopment of a town centre have suffered a blow after one of the two remaining bidders pulled out. North Herts District Council has been left with only one possible developer, Simons Developments, to regenerate the C

PLANS for a multi-million pound redevelopment of a town centre have suffered a blow after one of the two remaining bidders pulled out.

North Herts District Council has been left with only one possible developer, Simons Developments, to regenerate the Churchgate area of Hitchin after Crest Nicholson said they would go no further in the process.

Responding to the news, Cllr Norma Atlay, the project director said: "These are very testing times for the industry and redevelopment projects. Throughout this process the council has kept a very close eye on the economic situation and we have been able to take a sensible medium to long-term perspective in our dialogue with bidders. We are pleased that we are able to continue our dialogue with the remaining bidder." Leader of the council, F. John Smith, said the council is determined to press on with the work, believing "that progress in the next few months will show that our intentions are firm". The council expects talks will be concluded "shortly", after which Simons have to submit a tender. A final decision on the project will be made by full council in February.