FURIOUS councillors have blasted Network Rail over an eight month delay to Prestatyn’s new-look train station.
The Prestatyn group claim the station works launched last January to improve access for disabled people have effected Prestatyn’s tourist season, its Wales in Bloom entry and the town’s perception to visitors.
In a bid to get the project back on track a letter is being sent to the Westminster and Welsh Governments highlighting local councillors views on the works, predicted to be completed within 48 weeks.
The letter claims surveys 10 to 15 years old were used during the project, the central stairway had not been designed correctly with concrete steps introduced, an error encountered when ordering new lights and the station building found to be “rotten”.
The document claims consultation, liaison and information updates from Network Rail had been “extremely limited” with the latest completion deadline of August 16 being exceeded.
The letter says: “We have fundamental concerns regarding the delivery of what should have been a relatively simple and quickly delivered project.
“We need more effort to be made to now complete the works at Prestatyn Station, with a target date being provided to local councillors and lessons being learned from the mistakes made over the last 18 months.”
Prestatyn East councillor James Davies said: “Improvements to Prestatyn railway station were necessary and very welcome but the project management of the works by Network Rail has been abysmal.
“This is why we have asked the government to scrutinise what has gone on.”
Prestatyn Mayor, Cllr Allan Pennington, said he was certain the situation in Prestatyn would not occur if it was a station in a major city.
He said: “The residents and Town Council demand a satisfactory conclusion to this matter.”
Cllr Anton Sampson, for Prestatyn East, added: “On such a large project I find it staggering how lackadaisical a company can be.
“On a recent site visit it was pointed out that the actual new bridge itself was roughly 12 inches short of the platform and has had to have concrete added to make an extra step. It’s a new structure so should be a perfect fit.
“It simply isn’t good enough and I shall be requiring some answers.”
Network Rail were not able to give a statement before the Journal went to press.