Ownership of a St Neots landmark – vandalised a year-and-a-half ago – could pass to Huntingdonshire District Council in an effort to finally get it repaired.
Since the Day Column in the Market Square was damaged in August 2012, town councillors have been negotiating with HDC to replace the bronze lighting arm.
However, last week St Neots Town Council clerk Ed Reilly said that the “long and difficult” attempts to take action were continually thwarted by the district council. He said HDC insisted the arm needed to be repaired – rather than replaced – and had nominated three engineers on an approved list to carry out the work. However, none of them were available.
He added: “It does seem to be the district that is delaying it so councillors have taken the decision to say ‘if they are not are just going to let us repair it, then they are going to take responsibility for it.’”
A spokesman for HDC said: “I can confirm that we have received a proposal from St Neots Town Council, and that we are considering their request.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here