Councillors reassured over firstsite canopy

At a meeting of Colchester Borough Council's Finance and Audit Scrutiny Panel, councillors considered a confidential report on the firstsite:newsite building project and the slight deflection of the line of the canopy over the entrance way.

It has been confirmed that the canopy is neither buckling nor under any strain. However, during a routine survey - carried out regularly on building projects of this type - a deflection was picked up. It was felt that this did not conform to the design and build expected of such a contemporary building, so further work will need to be carried out to correct it.

Councillors heard that any costs of putting it right will be vigorously pursued. The need to re-do part of this building work is likely to delay the project by a matter of a few weeks.

Cllr Robert Davidson, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: "All of the partners involved want to make sure that the firstsite building is right. Despite a recent report, the roof is not buckling or under any strain, but the canopy will need further work to make sure it continues to be a building which will Colchester can be proud of and which will bring many benefits to the borough and beyond."

NOTE TO EDITORS

For more information contact Adrian Pritchard, Chief Executive, on 282211.

For comment or opinion contact Cllr Robert Davidson, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, on 07973 760344.