Contractor 'baffled' over end of bridge contract

An engineering firm said it was "baffled" to learn that its contract to restore a Grimsby bridge will be terminated.

North East Lincolnshire Council said it was seeking a new contractor to replace Spencer Group to complete the final stages of refurbishing Corporation Road Bridge – a £5m project that started in 2023.

The council said the "extent of the delays are unacceptable" and it wanted to appoint another contractor "to ensure the bridge is open in the quickest and most efficient way possible".

Spencer Group said it was disappointed at the news, and insisted its relationship with the council had been "excellent to date".

Final stages of the work include the lifting mechanism of the Grade II listed structure.

The council said much of the bridge had "recently been unveiled" after it was wrapped in protective sheeting during the work.

Stewart Swinburn, the council's portfolio holder for highways, said: "Whilst we accept that the level of rust and deterioration was not anticipated, and led initially to more surveys being required, we are now in a position where we believe the extent of the delays are unacceptable.

"We are now absolutely determined to move forward and bring a new specialist engineering firm on board to work with us on completing the lifting span, bringing to a conclusion the works to this fantastic historical structure."

A Spencer Group spokesperson said: "We are baffled and disappointed to learn of this news today, given our relationship with the council has been excellent to date.

"There has been significant additional work required on this project which was unforeseen and out of our control and has ultimately created delays and increased costs.

"We regret that our client now feels an alternative route to completion is required."

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.