DURHAM'S Labour MP is calling for a re-think of the £25m redevelopment of the Walkergate car park.

Gerry Steinberg, who originally supported the scheme, says he has had a change of heart and now feels the latest blueprint will do little to boost the city centre's appeal.

But he has been accused of playing politics over a development that its originators say will boost the city.

The scheme, by developer AMEC, is part-funding the £30m Millennium City complex. It has changed several times since it was first mooted by the then Labour-controlled city council.

One major element of the early proposals, a multiplex cinema, fell by the wayside because operators did not believe it would be a money-spinner.

The scheme approved by the city council, now run by the Liberal Democrats, is for a 94-bed budget hotel, six pub/restaurants, a bar, 35 apartments and a 500-space multi-storey car park. Work is due to start in September.

Amec has claimed the development will create 250 construction jobs and 300 more jobs when the development is completed.

The development is proving particularly controversial because the council, under Labour, drew up plans to use The Sands recreation area as a temporary car park during construction.

Mr Steinberg recently weighed in on the side of residents fighting the idea. Liberal Democrat leader Sue Pitts said the council hopes to find an alternative site but, if it is not feasible, may still have to press ahead with The Sands.

Mr Steinberg, who plans to stand down at the next election, said The Sands controversy had led him to reconsider the entire scheme.

"I was excited about the development, which originally included a cinema, as I believed the scheme would revitalise the area.

"It now seems to me an ineffective use of a valuable site that could significantly contribute to the continued development of the city."

But the city council's Liberal Democrat finance portfolio holder Carol Woods said: "It will provide good quality restaurants and bars and allow people to walk down to the riverbank."