COSTS OF REPAIRS TO PROMENADE UNDERESTIMATED?

6.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 13th Jun 2006

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Torbay Council and Chairman of the Harbour Committee, Cllr Gordon Jennings, has raised concerns that quotes for fixing the Promenade could be severely underestimated.

Cllr Jennings' concern following an unanswered question at a recent Cabinet Meeting, that no allowance has been made for the costs of using cathodic protection to extend the life of the concrete structures, and is particularly suitable for marine structures. Cathodic protection is used to prevent further damage to chloride contaminated structures, and is widely used by the Ports Authorities.

Cllr Jennings said, "Cathodic protection is widely used under best practice and seen as an essential tool in the repair of concrete structures, and is particularly used where concrete is in contact with the sea. If it is not used, then any repair can only be short term, and in fact can make the areas surrounding a repair corrode at a faster rate."

Following a meeting with a reputable engineering company, Cllr Jennings has received agreement from the Mayor to have a presentation from them on cathodic protection so that all councillors will be able to give an informed decision.