Council painted into a corner over Bath Thermae spa

Bath’s Thermae spa complex could be a step closer to re-opening after the Bath and North East Somerset council agreed to pay for replacing the faulty paintwork on site.

The decision is hoped to bring to an end to the ongoing legal dispute between building contractor Mowlem and the council, after the contractor refused to take blame for the damaged paintwork.

The cost of replacing the paint could cost the council between £3.4m to £4.3m.

A spokesman for the council told the BBC: “In order to reduce loss and delay in difficult circumstances not of its own making, the council has no reasonable alternative but to take control itself.”

It is believed, however, that the council will continue to look to recover the money from the “accountable parties”.

The £26m Thermae Bath Spa scheme has been riddled with trouble and has yet to set an official opening date. It was originally planned to open in April 2003. Details: www.thermaebathspa.com