Restoration team defends selection of contractors (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Restoration team defends selection of contractors

7:20pm Sunday 24th January 2010

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THE head of the team behind the rebirth of a much-loved South Lakeland landmark has responded to accusations by some residents that local firms have not been given enough work.

Sir John Barrow Monument, which overlooks Ulverston and has been closed to the public since 2003 due to water damage, is undergoing a £1.2 million makeover.

The main contract was given to Lambert Walker, of Preston, and there has been disquiet among some residents who have told the committee local contractors should have been chosen ahead of firms from outside the area.

But Colin Hodgson, chairman of the restoration committee, said the selection process for contracting work had been fair.

Colin Hodgson said: “Local firms were invited to tender and one of them was shortlisted, but a major amount (£891,000) of the funding came from the Heritage Lottery Fund and they wanted their money spent wisely so they took part in the selection process, and they made their views known.

“They want to be assured that their requirements and standards are met. It was a fair process. A team of local architects from Barrow came to visit but admitted the job was beyond them.

“We have given quite a bit of work to local companies and we will continue to do so. A lot of people have given us money and we have a duty to them to make sure that money is best spent.”

Meanwhile, the unveiling of the landmark, which was built in 1850 and known locally as the pepper pot, has been delayed because extra work is needed.

It was set for completion by June, but has been put back to the beginning of July to allow for repairs to its base. An official open day planned for Saturday, August 21.

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