The Council will be asked to note the urgent non-executive decision taken by the Chief Executive in respect of Tamar Bridge remedial works.  

Councillor Coker (Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure) proposed and Councillor Wheeler (Joint Chair, Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee) seconded a report on the emergency action undertaken by the Chief Executive in relation to the Tamar Bridge.

Council noted the report.

Councillor Coker (Cabinet member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure) introduced the report.  It was highlighted that -

a.     the Tamar Bridge was operated, maintained and improved jointly by Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council on a ‘user pays’ principle, being funded by toll income using powers derived from the Tamar Bridge Act;

b.    proposed increases to approved budgets are usually recommended by the Cabinets of the Joint Authorities to their respective Full Councils;

c.     the unexpected discovery of asbestos containing material (ACM) during the ongoing suspension system remedial works at the Tamar Bridge would significantly impact on remedial works ongoing on the bridge;

d.    the proposed budget increase, if fully utilised, would result in additional expenditure of £128,700 in the first year, and subsequently reducing as capital is repaid.

For the reasons as set out in the report and urgent requirement for decision the Cabinet agreed to -

1.    note the approval at the Tamar Bridge  / Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee for the increase in Capital for remedial works;

2.    note that works need to be completed to eliminate an unacceptable risk to the bridge structure and as a consequence service delivery;

3.    recommend that the Chief Executive approves an urgent non-executive decision under emergency provisions in consultation with the Leader, Opposition Leader and Section 151 Officer to avoid significant additional costs which would result from a stand still period until the next Council Meeting in September.