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Talks begin on city's £40m development

Difficult discussions on Exeter's controversial new bus station and leisure centre have begun this afternoon - as councillors seek approval for an increase of nearly eight million pounds in the project's cost. .

The Labour councillors who support the scheme are blaming the steep rise on the economic uncertainty caused by the run-up to Brexit

They say the cost of around 40 million pounds will still be a valuable investment for the city - but their Tory opponents have branded it a vanity project and say the money could be better spent elsewhere.

The city council's special committee set up for the initiative are meeting this afternoon - then the Executive will take up the subject tomorrow with a final decision being made by the full council next Wednesday.

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