Demolition firms given second chance to bid after concerns over tendering process.
Councillor Brian Ward, Stoke-on-Trent City Council deputy leader, has asked officers to re-tender the contract to demolish Westcliffe Hospital, Chell.
London-based contractor Brown & Mason had previously been identified as the preferred bidder out of seven short-listed firms, despite quoting a price three times higher than that of a rival.
But, following allegations local companies were effectively excluded from the process, because of the council’s electronic tendering system, Mr Ward has asked for the contract to be re-tendered. He has also called for a full review of the council’s tendering and procurement procedures and for audit officers to look into the Westcliffe case.
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