UNDERCLIFF DRIVE INQUIRY REACHES DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE

The Investigatory and Disciplinary Panel, looking into the way a number of IW Council officers were involved in handing out contracts for the Undercliff Drive scheme, meets on Monday to consider the case against Deputy Chief Executive John Lawson.

The IW Council’s Head of Engineering Services Steve Matthews was dismissed, earlier this month. At his hearing, panel members took their decision on the grounds that Mr Matthews had been responsible, at the very least in a supervisory capacity, when contracts for the project to shore up the road hit by landslides were illegally let to High-Point Rendel, in 2001 and 2004. They found his performance and conduct fell below that which the IW Council and Island residents should rightly expect. The hearing was held in his absence on 19 October and he has the right to appeal.

Meanwhile, purchasing manager John Spencer has also faced a disciplinary hearing. Allegations over his role were largely substantiated, according to the IW Council. But it was noted that Mr Spencer was not directly responsible for the procurement of HPR or other contractors for the Undercliff Drive and he was given a final written warning.

Director of Finance Paul Wilkinson has taken early retirement and the Strategic Director for Economic Development and Regeneration Derek Rowell has resigned since the investigations began.

Further hearings are expected shortly and the final report is due before the Investigatory and Disciplinary Committee on 29 November.