Newark Lorry Park's on time and on budget delivery has been challenged despite its success
Claims of an on time and on budget delivery of Newark Lorry Park have been challenged.
Newark and Sherwood District Council completed the site in July which provides parking for up to 200 vehicles, as well as space for hauliers to take a break with secure off-street parking.
Despite its success — having received the only safer parking accreditation in the East Midlands — the cost of the large-scale project was questioned at Newark and Sherwood District Council’s policy and finance committee.
The committee was told there were several problems with the lorry park, including a lack of people using it and construction costs exceeding profits made.
Speaking at the meeting, chairman Mr Keith Girling said: “The project was delivered on time and budget, which is always a good thing.
“We were opposed by the opposition but we believed in the project and it is working. We were right.
“The lorry park has received a safer parking accreditation, the only one in the East Midlands, and this will give us a great standing when we utilise the lorry park in such closed proximity to a town. It is helping the local economy as well.”
However, Labour Group leader Mr Paul Peacock, argued: “The A46 gets clogged up, and it’s not good for the environment.
“The site the lorry site sits on could be used to make more income for the district council than what we are getting now, with the creation of a good business plan, giving drivers what they want, and creating good income for district council.
"But I still maintain the construction costs are more than what we are getting.”
Mr Lawrence Goff said: “There has been a lot of problems with the lorry park. People not using it is the main problem.
“We need to get people off the A46, encourage them to use the facility and save accidents in the long run.”
Previously, it was revealed the additional extension project of the lorry park would could an extra £249,245 due to a need for more lights, an improved CCTV system, better pedestrian access, fencing, signage and landscaping.
This took the total cost of construction of the lorry park to £1,139,245 — more than 40% higher than anticipated.
Mr Girling later told the Advertiser: “The original scheme was revised to enable additional works to take place, including the installation of a fuel bunker. These works were delivered on time and under the revised budget.
“Newark’s lorry park offers a first class safe and secure facility to enable the movement of goods and services around the country and also generates £250,000 a year, which is spent on local services for Newark and Sherwood residents.”
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