Answers demanded on St George's Square delays

Jan 20 2009 by Neil Atkinson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Chaos as work on square is delayed

THE controversial revamp of Huddersfield’s St George’s Square has been hit by delays.

Now members of a Kirklees Council committee are demanding answers from the council’s Conservative Cabinet about the hold-ups, which are causing problems for businesses and commuters.

Clr John Smithson, who chairs the Huddersfield town centre sub-committee, said he believed the work was up to two months behind schedule.

But Clr Ken Sims, Cabinet member for regeneration, insists the delays are weeks and not months.

He blamed bad weather and also the need to ensure health and safety is given top priority.

Clr Smithson has written to Clr Sims informing him of the sub group’s decision to begin “formally” pursuing the matter with the council.

The letter raises a raft of the concerns brought to the attention of members of the sub group by local people and businesses.

It also asks to be told when the work will be competed by, what sort of guarantees are being given by the contractors and what the council will receive in the way of compensation.

Clr Smithson said: “The St George’s Square development becomes more of a shambles with each passing day.