Council chases builders to foot roadworks bill

Central Beds Council is demanding builders that it says caused major emergency roadworks in 
Biggleswade foot the £120,000 bill.
NewsNews
News

The authority this week confirmed its legal services team was dealing with the matter. Housebuilding work close to the ‘Meccano Bridge’ in Shortmead Street damaged the bridge foundations in October last year.

Emergency roadworks unearthed unexpected utilities cables that saw the project delayed. UK Power Networks were booked in to carry out electrical diversion work but were called away to an emergency elsewhere – and this saw a further delay until the New Year.

Cllr Brian Spurr, executive member for sustainable communities services, said: “Excavations for new flats being built nearby were judged to undermine the strength of existing foundations for the bridge. We were concerned the safety fence might also have been affected.

“The old retaining wall was demolished, with a new wall built in its place.”

The safety fence was replaced with bollards.

He added: “We intend to recover the monies from the party responsible for causing the damage to the bridge. We are in contact with all the relevant parties including the Whitfield Group and their contractors and the matter is being dealt with.”