The failure of the Perth Tay cycle bridge project lies at the feet of the “deplorable incompetence and unprofessionalism” of consultants who underestimated the costs by over £3.5 million, it has been claimed.
Councillors came together on Wednesday to lament the failed Connect2 bridge and vent their anger at Atkins for initially suggesting it could be delivered for £2.6 million before revising its estimate to £6.27 million this month.
Only £2.64 million had been secured through Lottery backing, won by sustainable transport charity Sustrans through a public vote, and regional transport partnership Tactran.
Even the most fervent supporter had to acknowledge there was no way to meet such costs and after months of controversy over its cost and site interfering as it would with the North Inch golf course councillors admitted the project is now “dead in the water”.
Council leader Ian Miller signalled the torpedoing of the bridge at the strategic policy and resources committee meeting by saying, “It seems to me there is no other option than to recommend to Tactran and Sustrans they abandon the project.”
However, he was quick to quash any notion that the council was responsible for the debacle.
He said, “It has been driven by Tactran and Sustrans and the council role has been to support the clearly expressed wish of the people of Perth and Kinross who supported the Big Lottery Fund bid.
“We’ve done our best to try and facilitate that through Tactran and Sustrans and we’ve not spent money on this, other than through officer time.”
Council depute chief executive Jim Irons confirmed this was the case, saying, “All costs have been met by Tactran.”FrustrationIt is understood legal action could result from the 40-month episode and the sense of frustration was palpable especially among Lib Dems whose party members, George Hayton and Lewis Simpson, were keen advocates for the crossing.
Although they are not members of the committee, Councillor Willie Wilson spoke for them.
“We’ve not been the beneficiaries of the best advice in terms of the cost and I know that’s being taken up by officers with Atkins. Given the length of time this has gone on, it’s extremely regrettable and I’m choosing my words carefully given the potential legal implications in the future.”
Councillor Peter Barrett was less circumspect, calling the project a “monumental muck-up” because of Atkins’ “deplorable incompetence and unprofessionalism.”
He said, “It is a bitter blow. It would have been a tourist and visitor attraction and would have joined communities in our ward.”
Councillor Willie Robertson pointed out every bridge project connected with the Loch Leven cycle paths was delivered on budget and was sorry to see a similar scheme for Perth fall by the wayside.
“We’ve had some very poor advice. Let’s hope to goodness Atkins aren’t involved in the new Forth crossing.”
Atkins did not comment on the issue when approached by The Courier.