AN angry builder has criticised Thirsk Town Council for not inviting tenders from local firms for the construction of the new town hall annexe.

In a letter from Mr Andrew Kendall of F Kendall and Son, builders and contractors, read at this week's Thirsk Town Council meeting, he said he was disappointed that a Leeds firm, Roberts Construction, was building the new annex.

He added: "The question has to be asked if anyone in the Thirsk area was even approached for estimating the work? We certainly were not and no-one we know was asked to tender.

"This may appear as a case of sour grapes as a building firm not being offered a job, but please be assured it is a little deeper than that.

"We feel greatly disappointed that a long established Thirsk family firm, such as ourselves, was not even considered for the work carried out on what is the focal point of the town."

After hearing the letter, Coun Derek Adamson said: "The list of firms drawn up by the consultant was a closed list and was a rig."

Coun Steve Hubbard expressed his concern: "I wholeheartedly agree with the letter. As a businessman I would hope to be given the chance to supply electrical equipment for the annexe."

However Coun Jan Marshall explained: "As a council we are interested in getting the best value for money for our resources. Whether we decide to invest them in our local community is our decision.

"The work up to tender stage was not carried out by us."

Members agreed to write to Mr Kendall acknowledging his letter and explaining that the town council was not involved in the tendering process.

After the meeting, Mrs Sue Kendall explained she had already had a reply to her husband's letter from Coun Mark Robson, chairman of the Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall management committee.

In his letter, Coun Robson explained the process up to tender stage, including the appointment of consultants from Applegarth Building Management Ltd, who have planned and overseen the project.

A small planning committee was also established to represent the town hall management committee and the consultants.

In the letter, Coun Robson explained: "After detailed discussions of the requirements of the planning team, an extensive pricing document and schedule of works was drawn up by quantity surveyors in November 1999.

"The planning team were then advised as to which firms be invited to submit tenders, bearing in mind the complexity of the site and the fact that it was adjacent to a public building, which was to continue in use throughout the contract."

He added that they were advised by Hambleton District Council that they were not required to go to open tender.

The firms selected to make tender bids, were chosen on the advice of Applegarth Building Management Ltd, and included Tom Willoughby and Company, based in Northallerton, as well as builders from Leyburn, Darlington, York and Leeds.

However, Mrs Kendall maintained that local Thirsk firms should have been invited to tender as well.

She said: "They're trying to say we weren't able to work in a situation like that, close to a public building, which is a load of absolute rubbish.