Big freezehits workon harbourdevelopment

A LONG-AWAITED re-development of Whitby’s historic harbour has been delayed after freezing winter conditions played havoc with the 750,000 scheme.

Scarborough Borough Council confirmed yesterday that the project to create a marina building in the heart of the North Yorkshire port had been affected by the freeze.

Snow, high winds and sub-zero temperatures have meant that at times work on the building has been brought to a standstill until conditions improved.

A new timetable for the development has not been disclosed, although the council’s project manager, Alex Richards, stressed that the scheme would remain within budget despite the delays.

He added: “This situation is not unique to this project and unfortunately this is a picture that we have seen repeated across the country with other construction projects.

“We will be doing all we can to catch up on this lost time as the weather becomes milder.”

Work began on the scheme in October, and it follows years of debate about a marina scheme which divided Whitby and led to a succession of false starts on projects.

However, the contractor, KFB Scarborough, had to call in staff during the Christmas period in the hope that the development would remain on schedule.

But high winds and low temperatures have meant that mortar and concrete has failed to set properly, and health and safety concerns have also been raised after freezing conditions have made working dangerous.

The council is drawing up contingency plans to reduce any inconvenience the delays may cause and alternative facilities will be provided should the project run into the boating season.