Council chiefs called the cops after two new bus shelters went missing from Chester bus station in the dead of night.
But The Chronicle has already solved the mystery after ringing Essex-based suppliers Shelter Store who say they ‘recovered’ the shelters because of £7,320 owed to them, in the latest twist to the £70,000 bus station revamp saga.
Cheshire West and Chester Council CCTV operators based in the nearby town hall informed police as the shelters were being removed about 11.25pm on Tuesday.
But Cheshire police, who confirmed an allegation of theft was officially brought to their attention yesterday, say the council ‘has been advised it’s a civil matter’.
Suppliers Shelter Store have acknowledged its team drove all the way from Essex to remove Stands 11 and 12 – worth £10,968 – which it says will cover the amount owed, plus the dismantling and transport costs.
The firm says it will invoice the council if it is asked to reinstall the shelters, which serve customers of the Sealand Road park and ride plus services to Newton and Kingsway.
Managing director Luckman Miah, in an email to the council on Tuesday morning, wrote: “Due to us being unable to seek payment last week I am sending a team to recover materials supplied, ie the bus shelter and panels to the amount due some time this week.
“I would also like to make you aware that additional charges may be applied due to us seeking removal.”
There have been criticisms about how long the revamp has taken after work started in February but the reopening was postponed four times. Council leader Mike Jones recently blamed the delay on the wrong parts being ordered.
But Mr Miah told The Chronicle he believes the whole project had ‘not been thought through’, leading to constant snags.
He added: “They have been under a lot of scrutiny and have been trying to take it out on us when it is entirely their fault.”
In an email to Mr Miah, dated June 28, Steve Williams, senior manager, Integrated Transport Service, said there remained ‘outstanding issues’ relating to fittings and lighting.
“With regards to the lighting, we have advised you that we can resolve this locally but at a cost to your company,” said Mr Williams.
Mr Miah insists electrical installation was not included in the price and he ‘can not stomach’ paying out an extra £6,000-£8,000 so the matter is likely to end up in court.
The council later issued a statement which read: “There is a contractual dispute with the company in question and the council has withheld a sum of money until the contract has been completed to its satisfaction.
“On July 2 the company was advised by our legal department that under the terms of its contract the shelters became council property on delivery.
“We can confirm that two shelters were taken late last night. The matter has been reported to Cheshire Constabulary and we hope to provide CCTV footage to the police.”
