The Council received an update on the town hall from Project Manager Nicola Dyer at their Full Council Meeting on Monday, 6th February.

Information was provided on structural issues at the first instance, with Nicola explaining how the correction of such issues would help speed along the project.

Nicola explained, "The underpinning of the mezzanine cross-wall, which is the wall that connects the end of the market hall and the start of the entrance, will be finished tomorrow. Afterwards can start on the floor."

An architect and structural engineers have been visiting the site weekly. Electrical engineers have been making more visits recently as well.

The project is still running behind schedule, Phase One of which was due to finish at the end of May, though Nicola stated that they had "managed to claw a bit of time back". The team is unaware of how far behind completion is, but will know by the next meeting in March.

Moving on, Nicola said the "most disappointing thing is not having temporary access to the Assembly Hall. It makes more sense to just crack on with the work."

"But once access is there, it will be permanent rather than stop/start."

In terms of finance, things seem to be on track. Nicola told that there is still half of the 'emergency pot' left.

A cost review will be carried out in March, with updated estimates, a schedule of works, and repricing of every item.

There will be a site progress meeting at the end of next week.

Councillor Evans questioned when the Assembly Hall would be usable again, to which Nicola replied with uncertainty.

"We are close to having an idea of when the Assembly Room will be usable again, but I can't put a date on it yet due to the setbacks we've encountered".

Watch the Town Hall amendments presentation (from the EGM in January) below: