TOWN councillors who blamed contractors for delays in opening a £900,000 community hall, have been criticised by an adjudicator and ordered to settle a £67,000 bill.

An independent adjudicator rejected Witney Town Council’s claim that the floor at Madley Park Hall was not up to standard.

Because of the dispute over the Northfields Farm Lane hall, its official opening was delayed from November to June 6, although it had been used beforehand.

The council blamed Cheltenham-based contractors Beam Construction for the delays.

It criticised the floor and lighting rig and cancelled its contract, changing the locks and bringing in another firm to finish the job.

But adjudicator Tony Bingham came down on the side of Beam and told the council to pay £66,926.92, plus VAT, money it owed to Beam. It will also have to pay undisclosed legal costs.

Mr Bingham said: “The observation of [the independent inspector] that the floor needs to be replaced is unpersuasive.”

He said “very few” of the maple planks did not fit, adding: “The floor looks very good indeed.

“It shows no sign of any problem.”

And problems with the lighting gantry “looked exaggerated”.

Mr Bingham said work had been completed on January 6 because the council had taken ownership of the building.

He said: “Witney took possession on January 5, 2011, and opened the community hall for public use, for local elections on January 6.

“The public occupied the building and was permitted to do so.”

He said this meant the council’s attempt to terminate the contract on March 14 had “failed”.

And he said denying Beam access to complete work by changing the locks was a breach of contract.

An independent inspector brought in by the council to check the floor said it was “fitted unacceptably”.

Beam managing director Stephen Ratcliffe said: “We arepleased this matter has been decided by an independent and experienced third party.

“The adjudicator reinforced our opinion that we have built a wonderful facility constructed to the highest standard.”

Witney Town Council clerk Sharon Groth said: “All options are currently being considered, including further legal proceedings, to ensure the community is provided with a safe and operational facility.”