Shrewsbury councillor calls for Pride Hill probe

Councillor Alan Mosley said the Shropshire Council-run project has gone from 'crisis to crisis' and wants an investigation to be opened.

It comes as it was revealed that the firm currently carrying out the work, Casey Group, will be replaced.

Councillor Mosley welcomed the news, but added it will be at the expense of further cost and disruption to the public and businesses.

"It is good that the contractor is to be replaced but that will be at the further cost of an extension of the period of disruption," he said.

"It is obvious that a high level investigation is now necessary to examine the planning, procurement, monitoring and management within the project which has gone from crisis to crisis. "

The work was supposed to have been finished by November but contractors failed to hit the deadline.

Christmas

It means work, which has been has been plagued with criticism from residents, businesses and politicians, will now stop for Christmas before resuming early next year with a new contractor.

Councillor Mosley, who is also leader of the Labour party, said Shropshire Council's leadership should take responsibility for the failures.

He added: "The council’s leadership should be taking responsibility for this and for the great costs of this chaotic scheme for businesses, residents and visitors.

"There is no doubt important lessons need to be learned so as to avoid further damage to the reputation of the town and Shropshire Council itself."

Last month he called the works a "disgrace" and called for Shropshire Council’s highways cabinet member, Steve Davenport, to consider his position.

The refurbishment of Pride Hill is part of the council's £12 million Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Plan, and is expected to be completed early next year.

It follows other projects such as the re-design 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.