CALLS have been made for an independent inquiry into the soaring cost of council projects in the New Forest.

It follows the revelation that an award-winning project to transform Hythe Promenade ran almost a quarter of a million pounds over budget, costing the taxpayer an extra £135,000.

The scheme, jointly managed by Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council, had a budget of £792,000.

However, the contractor was supplied with late and inaccurate information, resulting in delays that pushed up the cost.

As reported in the Daily Echo the contractor initially demanded an extra £237,000 but negotiations resulted in the figure being reduced by £102,000.

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David Harrison, leader of the Lib Dem opposition group, said two other civil engineering schemes in the district had also cost more than expected.

“The scheme to improve Lymington Quay a few years ago went £70,000 over budget and, more recently, improvements to the St John’s Street car park in Hythe cost taxpayers an additional £85,000,”

he said.

“An independent inquiry is the only way to get to the bottom of these continuing problems.”

However, John Mascall, the council’s executive director, said the new-look Hythe Promenade had received several plaudits.

He added that the settlement reached with the contractor had avoided a costly adjudication process as well as reducing the original claim by 43 per cent.

The council was also defended by Chris Treleaven, Cabinet member for planning and transport. He said recent improvements to Marchwood sea wall had been completed on time and within budget.

Revelations about the Hythe scheme come just weeks after it emerged that a four-year legal battle between the council and a flooring contractor has cost the taxpayer £105,000.

The council threatened to sue Titanium Polyurethane Seal (TPS) over the dangerous state of newly refurbished floors at three sports halls – Totton, Ringwood and Applemore.

TPS took the authority to the High Court and was awarded costs after the judge declared that the council’s own cleaning methods were responsible.

Councillors are due to debate the issue at a scrutiny panel meeting on April 9.