PTaylor

Published at 00:00, Wednesday, 07 February 2007

IT TOOK the Romans just six years to build Hadrian’s Wall but a council has already taken three years to erect a humble tribute, which is not yet finished.

Hadrian’s Wall, which stretches for 73 miles from Bowness-on-Solway to Tyneside, is one of the wonders of the world.

In tribute, Newcastle City Council leaders decided to erect a decorative metal fence along part of the new Hadrian’s Trail, about a mile from the wall.

But following a series of delays and mishaps the project has been branded a shambles and it has taken three years for the scheme to get under way.

Costing £29,000, the 65-metre long fence, with silhouettes of Roman soldiers, is being built in the Lemington area of the city.

Labour councillor Barry Phillipson blamed the city council’s Lib Dem leaders for the delay.

“I don’t know exactly how long it took the Romans to build the section of the wall that runs through Lemington,” he said.

“But I doubt whether it was anywhere near the three years-plus it has taken to begin the installation of the Hadrian’s Trail fence.

“It’s been a shambles.”

The problems started two years ago when the council failed to recruit a replacement project officer to cover maternity leave. The task was finally handed to a new officer in December 2005.

Artist William Pym, of Haydon Bridge, had been commissioned in February 2005 but a serious fire at his studio caused disruption.

The contractors eventually started work last December but the job was held up partly due to an armed robbery at the company.

Coun Pauline Allen, Lib Dem executive member for culture, heritage, libraries and sport, said: “The fence element of the project has experienced a series of minor delays beyond the control of the project.”

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk