Cracks survey still not ready to be made public

Newbury Town Council's legal team is currently scrutinising the findings of surveyors Scott Wilson

A MORE eagerly awaited document the district has likely never seen but there is still no answer as to when the survey into the cause of cracks and subsidence to Victoria Park and the Park Way area in Newbury will be made public.

Newbury Town Council's legal team is still scrutinising the findings of surveyors Scott Wilson, who undertook a hydrogeological survey into the mystery of the fractures and damage appearing in fields, walls, streets and homes in the area, last August.

The deputy leader of Newbury Town Council, Julian Swift-Hook (Lib Dem, Pyle Hill) this week said he understood the frustration of residents who want to see an end to a saga which, despite an initial estimation of four weeks to complete the survey, has dragged on for eight months.

“I understand the impatience of Newbury Weekly News readers who want to know what's happening, but the future of Victoria Park is at stake, and as the guardians of the jewel in Newbury's crown we believe it's essential to do this right, rather than quickly,” Mr Swift-Hook said.

“The wheels of the legal system's machinery turn very slowly – even more slowly than the wheels of local government machinery sometimes do.”

He said the town council was “working closely” with Standard Life Investments, Costain and West Berkshire Council on a range of issues affecting Newbury town centre.

“Until we are satisfied with our own assessment of the hydrogeological and legal positions, we won't be having discussions with any other organisations on this particular issue,” he added.

As well as reports supplied by the Environment Agency, the survey relied heavily on data from contractors Costain, who conducted their own tests around Park Way and Victoria Park before beginning water extraction works to construct an underground car park at the multi-million pound Parkway development site.

A delay in the submission of Costain's data held the survey up for several weeks.

Initially costing £5,165, the council had to stump up an extra £3,000 to pay the consultants for an extension such was the level of work required.

“When we have completed our own assessment of the hydrogeological and legal positions, we will discuss our findings with the other organisations involved with a view to finding a workable solution to the problems in the Park as soon as possible,” Mr Swift-Hook said.

“I'm hopeful of a resolution soon, but I can't make a commitment to a timescale – as I say, it's essential to do this right, rather than quickly.”