Gedling Borough Council has issued an update after serious concerns were raised on social media around the delayed opening of the much-anticipated £4m AMP market redevelopment in Arnold.
The owners of Arnold Post Office were expecting to open their doors to customers yesterday (21) after taking up residence in the new centre but said they are still waiting for the site to be opened to the public.
Their previous branch on Worrall Avenue closed several months ago following the owner’s decision to move into one of the seven new units in the new centre based in the town’s market place.
But following this latest delay, the post office owners issued an update on their Facebook page.
It read: “Well, as you can probably tell we have not opened today. I am so sorry to inform you that we have no end in sight. As soon as I have a date I will let you all know.
“I’m so sorry. Our shop is ready but the building still hasn’t been handed over. As soon as I hear anything I will be posting information.
They added: “We all miss our customers and can’t wait to be back.”
Gedling Borough Council have responded, with deputy leader Cllr Michael Payne calling the ongoing situation ‘frustrating’
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“This is the biggest local high street investment for the borough in recent years and will soon become the home for several new business start-ups, as well as the new location for Arnold Post Office,” he said.
“As with any build on this scale there can be issues along the way and unfortunately a number of factors outside of the council’s control, including the need for Western Power to construct a new electricity sub-station on-site, have held up the development and had a knock-on impact on the planned completion date.
“We completely understand and share the frustration these delays have caused to businesses, including Arnold Post Office, and the residents who rely on them. As a gesture of goodwill, we will be offering financial support to Arnold Post Office to help compensate for the inconvenience and disruption caused.
Cllr Payne said he expected the site to open shortly.
He said: “Thank you to all our residents, new tenants, and local businesses for their patience whilst we work to cross the finish line and get this new addition to the borough open for the benefit of the local community.
“It’s hoped that the site will be officially completed and ready for opening in the coming days.”
Up to £4m has been allocated for the scheme, with funding for the project coming from the council’s capital programme budget and boosted by a successful bid for £1.25m from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.
The surprise is that anyone is surprised…in the old days, contractors were held to their quote and if they went over time they paid a penalty…nowadays the quote is just a guess and no one is held accountable..
They should be held accountable for the delay and if there is no end in sight then they should be fined the council are being too soft with them
If people / companies are having to be compensated who is bearing the cost?
What is the cost to the Council and therefore the public????