Taxis not to blame for St George’s Square damage

May 26 2009 by Andrew Brook, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Taxi drivers deny damage to newly-laid flags as parts of St George’s Square re-open

One, who did not want to named, said: “It is supposed to be the end of the month when the flagging is done but we have still to do the grouting. We’re a good few months away yet.”

The £4m development has encountered problems since work began last May, with contractor Wrekin Construction going into administration, forcing Kirklees Council to take on the job itself.

But Clr Christine Stanfield, Kirklees Council Cabinet member for regeneration, insisted progress was good.

She said: “We have opened up the access road in front of the George Hotel and workers are busy ducting the pipework around the fountain’s underground control room.

“All the underground chambers and tree grills in the main plaza will soon be completed.”

Clr Stanfield did admit the problems have not disappeared completely: “Work has been hampered somewhat by the wet weather.

“In response we are setting on two extra flag grouting machines – this means we will soon have eight staff dedicated to this laborious process.”