§ Mr. Matthew BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the contract for resurfacing the A570 from the M58 to Southport was approved; what target dates were set for commencing and completing the work; whether any financial penalty will be imposed if targets are not met; and when he now expects work to be completed.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleMaintenance of this stretch of the A570 involves a series of contracts. Two minor ones were carried out in 1991 and completed on time.
Of the two carried out so far in 1992, one in Ormskirk started on 30 March and finished on 14 June, some five weeks later than we planned when letting the contract. The other, between Ormskirk and the M58 started on 24 February and should finish in the next few days, some seven weeks later than we planned.
Because of uncertain ground conditions we could not be sure in advance how much work the contractors would need to carry out. It was not therefore appropriate to use our lane rental arrangements which include a predetermined financial penalty for each day's late completion. However, the contracts provide for payments under the standard liquidated damage clause.
Further A570 resurfacing works are planned later this summer, in Ormskirk and south of the town.