Issue - meetings

Purpose of report

To obtain authority to enter into a contract for water level control and safe access works at the Council owned 1kn section of Grantham Canal.

Decision

Cabinet approved the award of a contract to ECS Engineering Services Ltd. for water level control and safe access works at Grantham Canal for a value of £205,763.98.

Other options considered

Taking no immediate action was considered, however the Council had a legal obligation to maintain the canal and avoid risks to property and residents. Delaying the works any longer would have resulted in the canal structure further deteriorating, leading to higher costs and risks of failure in the future.

Reasons for the decision

The structure of the canal was deteriorating as evidenced by the water seepage and a report on condition carried out by JBA Consultants. Installing water level control features and safe means of access would mitigate the risk of failure in the short term whilst the longer-term future of the canal was decided.

The award to ECS Engineering Services Ltd. was based on an open tender and assessment of their pricing and quality of response, both of which scored higher than the other valid tender received, therefore the Council was choosing the most cost-effective tender.

Part of the Canal had been neglected for many years. The Grantham Canal Partnership had been resurrected and was chaired by Councillor Robert Leadenham to good effect. The Grantham Canal Society were also a valuable partner.