THE councillor campaigning to be the city's next MP has hit back at 'mealy-mouthed' critics after a subcontractor helping build the city's newest 'fantastic' bridge went into administration.

The Kepax Bridge in Gheluvelt Park, Barbourne, is as yet unfinished with one section of the structure looming incomplete over the River Severn after it was revealed that a subcontractor had gone into administration. 

However, leaders at Worcestershire County Council said the bridge will be completed on time (by the end of this year) and within budget despite the setback, based on advice from senior officers.

Subcontractors, SH Structures, went into administration earlier this month and now the main contractor, Alun Griffiths, must appoint a new one before work can carry on.

Worcester News: UNFINISHED: Kepax Bridge UNFINISHED: Kepax Bridge (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Cllr Marjory Bisset, joint leader of Worcester City Council for the Green Party, said the bridge did not meet LTN 1/20 standards which guides local authorities on delivering high quality, cycle infrastructure).

She also said Cllr Marc Bayliss, cabinet member with responsibility for economy infrastructure and skills, could not guarantee the bridge would now be finished on time.

However, Cllr Bayliss refutes this, saying the bridge is compliant and he has been advised by officers it will be finished on time and within budget.

Cllr Marc Bayliss, also campaigning to be Worcester's next Conservative MP, said: "The bridge is compliant. There were also comments made about costs and timing. Again, they are not informed. It's pure conjecture. 

"I have been reassured by staff at the county council that the cost has not been affected and neither has the timescale in delivering the bridge.

"I rely upon the professional advice I get from officers and the advice I am getting is that the bridge will be open this year. I'm sad they are having a pop at something we should all celebrate."

Cllr Bayliss said he was 'disappointed' that the Greens and Liberal Democrats were being 'negative' when they claimed to be supportive of walking and cycling in the city.

"Mealy-mouthed I would call it. I look forward to them seeing the error of their ways. The bridge is going to be a fantastic new addition that many will enjoy for years to come, " said Cllr Bayliss.

He said similar criticism had been levelled at successful projects like the Southern Link Road, the swimming pool at Perdiswell and riverside developments, led by the Conservative Party.

Cllr Bisset had said: "It is too early for the Conservatives to say the end date won’t be affected. Even if it is still delivered on time, which seems very unlikely given that work has stopped, how much more will the bridge cost?

"Worcester Greens absolutely want to see the bridge completed and being used, since it will encourage people to walk and cycle thereby protecting the environment and reducing air pollution."

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Cllr Mel Allcott, the Liberal Democrat candidate battling to become Worcester's next MP, called Kepax Bridge 'a vanity project'.