Concerns have been raised over the firm chosen to demolish Barrow’s Forum and market hall.
Market traders were given hours to leave following a building survey which warned of advancing water leaks and the presence of asbestos.
The news prompted the authority’s new chief executive to explain more about the decision.
It was revealed that the contract for demolition was awarded to DSM Demolition Limited.
Today, Westmorland & Furness Council said it was aware that concerns had been raised about the firm being awarded the work.
The Competition and Markets Authority launched an investigation into historic tendering practices by DSM and other companies, which was settled in 2023.
The council said: “We recognise that this may lead to questions, however, it does not, in itself, raise issues about current practices, technical competency, operational capability, health and safety competence, or the company’s ability to undertake the required demolition works.
“The Barrow contract was awarded to a specialist company through a robust, lawful, open and competitive procurement process that ensured fairness, transparency and value for money.
“Throughout the process, the council applied appropriate due diligence and all relevant procurement requirements, including financial, technical and compliance checks were carried out.
“Based on the requirements of the tender process and applicable procurement rules, the company was not required to declare the CMA matter, and the council could not treat it as a material ground for excluding or marking down the tender.
“The decision to award was based purely on selecting the tender that best matched our criteria for this extensive and complicated project.
“It is worth noting that DSM Demolition Ltd is listed on an approved national procurement framework by the Government Commercial Agency, available to central and local government and the NHS.
“The company has delivered significant projects with other local authorities and continues to deliver specialist demolition works for the public sector.
“The council takes its responsibilities as a public body extremely seriously.
“Strict contract management and oversight arrangements are in place to protect public funds and rigorous project controls will be applied throughout delivery.”
