Council 'confused' over Spa offer

Mowlem has denied their offer has been rejected

The Bath Spa contractor says the city's council is "confused" and offering "contradictory statements" about its offer to complete the project.

Mowlem said it would finish work on the troubled spa for a maximum total price of £26m. The offer was rejected by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

The council said it "cannot accept [the offer] as it stands".

Mowlem rejected B&NES' suggestion that the offer had been turned down, stating they have a meeting about it next week.

Spa meeting

A statement from Mowlem said: "B&NES seems to be providing confused and totally contradictory statements regarding Mowlem's offer to complete the Bath Spa.

"Our offer has not been rejected. B&NES has, in fact, invited Mowlem to a meeting early next week to further discuss our proposals."

They added that the company wanted to try and ensure they could reach a solution.

"Mowlem will continue to work with B&NES to reach the best solution for all parties concerned," it said.

'Continue talks'

B&NES said on Thursday the offer would take the entire budget to £44m - £8.5m above the current approved total.

It added that the company's offer would mean the council would also have to drop all claims against it.

Councillor Nicole O'Flaherty, executive member for tourism, culture and leisure, said: "The council has not rejected this outright, but feels it cannot accept it as it stands.

"We will continue to talk with the contractor to see if a more satisfactory deal can be brokered."