BARNSLEY Council has approved an additional £750,000 to enable the delivery of essential drainage works across the town’s household waste recycling centres - after further research found that the original £1.1m budget was not sufficient.

The local authority runs four recycling centres across the borough - Goldthorpe, Penistone, Smithies and Worsbrough.

Adequate drainage infrastructure is a requirement of Environment Agency guidance to ensure run-offs are contained, preventing pollution of surrounding land and watercourses.

Concerns regarding site compliance were first raised in October 2018, when the site contractor identified that drainage systems were inadequate and not compliant with environmental permit conditions.

Surveys were commissioned in 2019 and confirmed that work had to be taken at the sites but, due to the Covid-19 pandemic the scheme was delayed.

Earlier this year, Barnsley Council’s cabinet approved plans for work to take place with a budget of £1.1m being set.

However, research shows that an additional £750,000 is needed for the works to be completed.

A report states: “A procurement exercise has been undertaken to appoint a contractor via a compliant framework.

“Tender returns have now been received and have identified that the cost of delivering the works exceeds the previously approved budget.

“The tendered costs reflect market conditions and inflationary pressures, updated design requirements and inclusion of all necessary construction and safety elements.

“This has resulted in a funding gap of £750,000 which must be approved to allow the project to process.

“Subject to authorisation and contract award, works are programmed to commence from July.

“The works will be delivered in phases to minimise disruption to residents, with close co-ordination between the council, the contractor and the site operator.

“It is important to note that the Penistone HWRC, is not included in this decision and a further report to consider options will be required.”

The additional funding has subsequently been approved as, had it not gone ahead, the council could have incurred further costs.

The report added: “Previous delays have occurred, and any further delay to contract award will affect delivery, increase costs and heighten the risk of non-compliance with the Environment Agency timescales set out in HW Martin’s permit applications.

“The timetable has been planned to avoid peak periods and minimise disruption to residents.

“Without approval, the council will be unable to proceed with the works and will remain non-compliant with Environmental Permit requirements.”