STAFFORDSHIRE: Lucideon project stalled

Questions hang over a stalled Levelling Up project in North Staffordshire after a key contractor has gone bust.

A company due to carry out groundworks for a new facility at Chatterley Valley on behalf of developers Harworth  went into administration and left the company seeking a new firm to replace them.

It’s understood the scheme is now months behind schedule as a result, resulting in chaos on the local road network as Peacock Hay Road remains shut while the work is unfinished – with no news yet about it reopening.

An officer at Newcastle borough council said: “Buckingham Group, who were doing the groundworks for the Lucideon project for Harworth, have unfortunately gone into administration and Harworth are now in the process of appointing a new contractor to finish off the groundworks.

“That will probably push progress two to three months behind where we thought we were – which gives us a little bit more time to work with Lucideon on the unit that we’re proposing to put up with them.”

The county council pledged an update within the next fortnight, and said it is working with Harworth to resolve the situation.

Cabinet member for highways and transport Cllr David Williams said: “We understand the frustration locally about Peacock Hay Road remaining closed because of the contractor going into administration.

“We’d like to assure people and businesses that we are working with the developer to find a new contractor as soon as possible.

“We hope to provide an update over the next couple of weeks, with the road reopening as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Lucideon and Harworth have both been contacted for comment.