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04
Mar
‘Typing error’ explains £200,000 increase in cost of Ripon scheme
Ripon’s Market Place resurfacing scheme cost £200,000 more than originally stated due to a typing error, North Yorkshire Council admitted today.
The scheme, which was conducted in two phases either side of Christmas, began in November and ended last week.
It involved replacing block paving with an asphalt surface, which the council claims will require less maintenance.
A council media release last week announcing the completion of work put the cost of the project at £830,000.
The Stray Ferret asked why the figure had changed from the £630,000 originally quoted last year.
Karl Battersby, the council’s corporate director of environment, said:
Due to a typing error in the original announcement, the resurfacing scheme in Ripon was originally set to cost £830,000 and not the publicised £630,000. We apologise for this error. Although we can’t confirm the final cost at this stage, it is due to come in under budget. The scheme was also completed ahead of schedule.
Cllr Keane Duncan, the executive member for highways and transport, described the scheme as "one of the most extensive and complex set of resurfacing works we’ve conducted in recent months”.
Cllr Andrew Williams, who represents the Ripon Minster and Moorside division on the council, said the council had “delivered a scheme which has given Ripon smooth and level roads which are a pleasure to drive upon”, adding:
I know that these works have caused an inconvenience for our business community, but I believe that everyone will now be able to reap the benefits of having safe roads in the market place.
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