Dear Sir
In the real world, ‘partners’ often give estimates with costs, time scale and contingencies. ‘Trust but verify’ can work too: but In the world of Essex ratepayers, a single firm already has the contract for everything to do with highways, from potholes to bridge-building —prioritised and verified by a partner organisation of the appointed contractor.
So a partnership between Ringway Jacobs and ECC puts forward a very, very expensive proposal to demolish a heritage bridge which eminent experts confirm can be repaired and strengthened. It fails to provide any costings at all. It fails to consider alternatives which are simpler, more sustainable and almost certainly cheaper. Such details may follow if and when planning permission is granted.
What organization in their right mind, in the real world, would accept this? Have ECC forgotten that tax payers who foot the bill have not entrusted them with their cheque books? Have they also forgotten their pledge to protect the environment and reduce the county’s carbon footprint?
Lucinda de Jasay
Save our Bridge campaign
Essex County Standard 08.04.2022