'Inclement weather' blamed for new lifeboat house project delay - but was that really the main reason?

Not a lot going on  - work has ground to a halt on construction of new lifeboat house

 

THE RNLI is seeking permission for extended weekend working hours on construction of its new lifeboat house in Cleethorpes.

But the question now being asked is: Who will carry out these works?

At present, activity is only permitted between 8am and 1pm on Saturday, with no working on Sunday.

But the RNLI  is asking North East Lincolnshire Council to amend these hours to 8am - 6pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

Why? 

Says the RNLI: "This is due to experiencing exceptional inclement weather during the winter months and unforeseen issues arising on site.

"We are keen to expedite the construction phase and to limit any unnecessary disruption during busier summer months and the tourist season."

Considering how mild it has been this winter, it seems curious that "exceptionally inclement weather" is being blamed.

What are the "unforeseen issues"? It emerged on Monday that the Gateshead-based main contractor, Tolent, had hit cashflow problems and fallen into administration.  

James Lumb, managing director of Interpath Advisory and joint administrator for Tolent, said: "Like many businesses across the UK’s building and construction sector, the group has been battling severe headwinds, including spiralling costs, labour shortages and also the loss of other companies within its supply chain.

"Following the tapering-off of the government’s COVID-19 support schemes, and in the wake of recent economic volatility, access to finance has tightened for many companies across the sector. 

"This means many building and construction firms are finding they have fewer options available to them to help deal with any liquidity crisis.

"Additionally, after the annual Christmas shutdowns and a cold December, the months of January and February often bring with them a painful cash crunch. 

"In a sector which typically operates on wafer-thin margins, this can often prove to be insurmountable and, unfortunately, so has been the case for Tolent."

The target date for completion of the project is October this year, but, with uncertainty about who will complete the contract, it seems likely that this may have to be put back.

The sorry current situation contrasts with the upbeat announcements made when the award of the contract was announced.

 

Said Stuart Crofts, project manager of Tolent: "This is a really interesting project to be involved in with a number of unique challenges.

"Not only is the site situated on a busy promenade; works also need to be scheduled within a 5-hour window where the beach is accessible between rapidly changing tides.

"The load-bearing capacity of the sand also has to be constantly maintained making the job even trickier."

Equally delighted was Andrew Shaw, regional manager of Tolent, who enthused: "We are extremely proud to be working with the RNLI to ramp up the safety of civilians at the beach. 

"This project is exciting and unique in many way, and we understand the responsibility that it comes with. 

"As a company, we are always striving for projects that make a difference in the community and the ongoing partnership with RNLI is a testimony to that."

And Steve Randall, estates engineer for the RNLI, said: "This new lifeboat station will be an asset to the resort of Cleethorpes, as well as enabling our volunteer crew to operate more effectively and safely, overall providing a better lifesaving service to the area. 

"We are delighted to be working with Tolent and look forward to seeing the results of the project."