St Albans hotel construction causes more chaos

The construction of a city centre hotel has again caused a stir in the surrounding community.

Contractors working on the new Premier Inn fronting St Peter’s Street, St Albans, have relaid a nearby road, not once, but twice.

Drovers Way, which adjoins the new hotel, had to be relaid again last week because the original work was not up to scratch.

A local businessman, who works near the development, said: “The question is why was the road not laid correctly in the first place?

“It caused an extra week of inconvenience to the public who use Drovers Way for access to parking.”

A spokesperson for Herts County Council said: “The developer was asked to build the road at the junction of Drovers Way and Adelaide Street at their own cost.

“After inspection it was found that the initial construction work did not meet the required standard and they were asked to re-build the road again at their own cost.

“It is disappointing that there has been further disruption; however we are committed to make sure the job is done properly for the long-term benefit of road users in St Albans.”

A spokesperson for contractors Gilbert Ash said: “The road itself had to be re-laid as the existing subgrade proved to be inadequate, which resulted in the installation of a base course asphalt below the paved surface.”