A NATIONAL gas connection company has been branded ‘inconsiderate, selfish and incompetent’ in an astonishing attack from an outspoken county councillor.
Coun Alan Amos, Worcestershire County Council cabinet member for Highways, launched the stinging attack on Cadent and their contractors following a number of recent incidents.
The controversial councillor pointed to the one-way traffic lights in Bromwich Road which ‘needlessly delayed’ hundreds of motorists and a further occasion where no one turned up for work in Newtown Road.
“I made it abundantly clear from the minute I took over this cabinet role, that my principal job was to keep traffic and people moving and that there would be zero tolerance of shoddy roadworks,” he said.
“The only thing these people understand is money so I have instructed officers always to impose the maximum financial penalties possible under the law, and not to grant any extensions when the contractors themselves are responsible for any delays in getting the work done on time.
“The public have had enough of these companies and their unnecessary and inconsiderate working practices.
“When they are working for the people of Worcestershire, it is my job to make sure they work efficiently and with top quality workmanship.”
In a further attack on Cadent, Coun Amos has even threatened to fine the company and its contractors if work on Bromwich Road had not been completed as the Observer went to press.
“We have made it clear in regard to Bromwich Road, the council will not grant any extension beyond the original agreed date of August 28.
“If they carry on beyond then, they will be fined £5,000 per day for the first three days and £10,000 per day thereafter.”
A Cadent spokesman said: “Cadent is carrying out essential work to upgrade Worcester’s gas network so local people can enjoy safe, reliable gas supplies for decades to come.
“We always aim to carry out our work to the highest standards, to complete it on time and to minimise disruption to the community.
“Temporary traffic lights were originally manually controlled at peak times, as requested by the county council. We then extended this to 12 hours a day, from 7am to 7pm.
“We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by our work and we thank local people for bearing with us.
“We hold regular meetings with the county council and welcome the opportunity to discuss this project further with them.”
