New contractor to take over Shrewsbury Pride Hill project

Shropshire Council has said that the work, which has been plagued with criticism from residents, businesses and politicians, will be completed early next year.

However, Matt Johnson, the council’s strategic transport and contracts manager, has confirmed that the firm currently carrying out the work, Casey Group, will be replaced.

The work was supposed to have finished by November – the same point at which Casey’s contract finishes.

Mr Johnson said that work will now stop for a Christmas embargo period, before resuming early next year with a new contractor.

He said: “We’re continuing to work with our current contractor Casey to manage the progress of the improvement works on Pride Hill.

“To ensure the highest quality and most timely conclusion to the planned works we’ll continue to explore all options available to us under the current contract, which runs up to November 2018.

“Works will then pause over the Christmas embargo period and be completed in early 2019. An announcement will be made in due course on the contractor to be used following the Christmas embargo period.”

The refurbishment of Pride Hill is part of the council’s £12 million Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Plan.

The Pride Hill work, which follows other projects such as the redesign of Meole Brace Roundabout and the Abbey Foregate Gyratory System, is to lay York stone and granite setts, install new street furniture, and improve lighting.

Earlier this month the group that represents Shrewsbury’s businesses called for action to prevent shops being affected over the busy Christmas period.

The work has been the source of huge criticism from shoppers, shop owners and politicians in Shrewsbury.

The multi-million pound refurbishment is intended to re-pave the pedestrianised street, introduce new benches and lighting.

However, there has been criticism over the length of the work and a lack of workers seen on site.

The group that represents the town's businesses, Shrewsbury BID, has also hit out over the "unacceptable disruption" caused by the work.

Council Leader Peter Nutting, who represents the Copthorne ward in the town, said: "I have had hundreds of complaints about work they have been doing and I am no technical expert so I am not criticising the technical aspects but the disruption has been a problem and the work could have been done in a way that would not have disrupted the town to the extent it has."

Councillor Nic Laurens, Shropshire Council's portfolio holder for economic growth, also weighed in on the issue.

Responding on Twitter to suggestions that the company could face the axe he said: "The sooner the better!"

Speaking earlier this year Chris Casey, managing director of Casey Group, defended their work and said it had been affected by a delay in starting.

He said: "The contract experienced some initial delays and we are working closely with the council’s appointed team to carry out this important regeneration of Shrewsbury town centre.

"As a successful family run business with more than 50 years’ experience delivering similar work we pride ourselves on our ability to engage and prioritise the local community.

"We appreciate there are challenges undertaking projects like this, especially one that is so central to a thriving town centre and we are adhering to the strict guidelines as stipulated by the council in order to minimise the impact on local businesses.

"We are immensely proud to be involved in this significant project and we will continue to work together with all stakeholders to make this vision a reality."

Casey has been contacted for comment.