By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Cheltenham council chiefs could bring in new workers to finish off the delayed refurbishment of Montpellier Gardens if the current contractors do not hurry up and finish the job.
Work to refurbish the public conveniences was meant to be completed in time for the Cheltenham Literature Festival in October.
But civic chiefs are extremely frustrated that it is yet to be finished, some four months later.
Conservative County Councilor Tim Harman (Lansdown and Park) asked Cheltenham Borough Council chiefs about the delays affecting Montpellier toilets.
“We are all frustrated about the issue affecting,” he told the full council meeting on February 21.
“It isn’t a great success in the war on wee.”
He asked for temporary loos to be installed in the gardens ahead of the upcoming Cheltenham Festival in March and the Cheltenham Jazz Festival in May.
Finance and assets cabinet member Alisha Lewis (LD, Oakley) shared Cllr Harman’s frustration.
She said the council has made it “really clear” that the contractors had “better get it done quick”.
“We have already explored the alternative of having another contractor to come in and finish the work,” she said.
“For which the current contractor will be charged in full. So I can assure it will be fixed and finished as soon as is practicable.
“It might even be a budget saving at the rate they are having to pay us for the speed and quality of work, it might even save us some money. But it will certainly be done.”