A “cast-iron assurance” has been given over the future of the multi-million-pound Arbroath schools project after the collapse of its main contractor.
Muirfield Contracts, which was appointed by Hub East Central Scotland to build replacement primaries at Timmergreens and Warddykes, made 258 workers redundant on Friday.
Workers had been on site at Timmergreens as recently as last week but it is uncertain when the schools initially slated for completion next year and costed at more than £10 million will start construction.
Councillor Ewan Smith said parents are looking out of their windows at “piles of rubble” but insisted both projects will go ahead after a “heartbreaking” time for employees hit by the firm’s administration.
“The first thing is to help the people who have been affected by the administration,” he said.
“Whoever takes on the contract, I hope that Hub East Central Scotland and Angus Council are able to keep the delays down to a minimum and with the least additional financial burden.”
According to Hub East Central Scotland, Muirfield Contracts was appointed on a “build only development agreement” for the 1,816sq m Timmergreens and 2,758sq m Warddykes schools.
Angus Council previously announced the new schools would be delayed by about six weeks, which was “outwith” its control as the contractor is appointed by the Scottish Future Trust’s procurement agent.
The council declined to comment.