Zurrieq Local Council has been ordered to pay over €8,000 to a contractor after losing a court case over the value of a contract for paving works.

Silvar Construction Services Ltd claimed that it was owed €8298 by the council for the laying of concrete imprint and stenciled concrete.

The council had pleaded that the amount due was excessive and the works had not been properly carried out.

It resulted that the company had been awarded a tender to carry out paving and similar works in Zurrieq. According to the tender, printed tiles were to be used. However the council had then decided to use stenciled tiles and the company had pointed out that the use of such tiles would raise the contract price.

From evidence produced it was clear that the council had accepted this increase in price even though its acceptance had not been included in the minutes of the council’s meeting.

The court therefore found in favour of the company and ordered the council to pay €8,298.