COUNCILLORS have spent over �700,000 of tax payers money choosing a developer for a town centre rebuild, and say this could reach nearly �800,000 before a brick has been laid – almost �200,000 more than expected just four months ago. North Herts Distric

COUNCILLORS have spent over �700,000 of tax payers' money choosing a developer for a town centre rebuild, and say this could reach nearly �800,000 before a brick has been laid - almost �200,000 more than expected just four months ago.

North Herts District Council has announced it has spent �713,000 so far on developer fees for the proposed redevelopment of the Churchgate area of Hitchin. And councillors expect the total figure to reach �780,000 before one of two developers currently drawing up plans, is chosen.

At the end of March the town centre working party, chaired by the leader of the council, said it had paid out �489,000 on developer fees and the figure could reach �600,000 before a developer was chosen.