A number of constituents have contacted me regarding the proposed joint Police and Fire Station in Malton, particularly the projected £224,000–£500,000 cost of the specialist survey work linked to the project.
While I support the need for our emergency service buildings to be fit for purpose, residents are rightly asking questions about the scale of these projected costs and the large disparity between the lower and upper estimates.
I have therefore written to Jo Coles seeking clarification on how these figures were calculated, what procurement process has been followed, what steps have been taken to minimise costs, and what would happen should the wider project not proceed once this money has been spent.
Residents understand the importance of properly investing in our emergency services, but they also expect transparency and value for money at every stage of the process.
The difference between the projected figures has understandably raised concerns locally, and I believe it is important that clear answers are provided on how these costs have been arrived at and what safeguards are in place to protect taxpayers’ money.
I will continue to press for transparency and accountability on behalf of local residents.
