A NEW bus station in Newport was held up by two months while the council waited for the Welsh Government to sign-off on a grant, it has been claimed.

An investigation is now taking place over why the construction of the new Market Square bus terminal is months behind schedule, with contractual issues and concerns around the condition of the ground also thought to be a factor.

It is currently unclear who is responsible for the other problems at the site, but a senior Newport councillor has insisted that the terminal will be open before Christmas.

The details were revealed by Labour cabinet member for infrastructure Ken Critchley after Tory councillor David Fouweather asked in a written question what the source of the delay to the opening of the bus station was.

It had been hoped that work that started on the bus terminal in November 2012 would be complete by last summer.

But this didn’t happen. A later aim to have the terminus ready for the closure of the old station was also missed.

Cllr Critchley said: “There was a delay of two months at the start whilst waiting for Welsh Government ministerial approval of the grant. That was followed by ground condition issues which needed different types of piling and methodologies, and other contractual matters which are currently under investigation.”

The Welsh Government, through the South East Wales Transport Alliance, has funded the project to the tune of £900,000.

Cllr Fouweather asked if any action would be taken against contractors for missed targets. The reasons for the delays, Cllr Critchley said, “are currently under investigation and will be subject of a report following completion of that enquiry”.

Asked who was behind the delay, Cllr Critchley said: “We will await the outcome of the enquiry.”

He said the new bus station will be open “before Christmas”.

Friars Walk will include a new bus station smaller than the one it will replace. It was thought an extra station was needed to meet the demand for public transport.

The delays have meant that part of the old bus station has had to be kept open while demolition goes on at another part of the site.

The Welsh Government was asked for comment but did not respond.