Jones Bros of North Wales to take over work to repair West Kirby Marine Lake from Pierse Contracting, who say they are winding down their UK operations

Despite seeking clarification from the original contractor, Pierse Contracting Limited, the council has still not received confirmation as to the trading status of the company.

A spokesman for the company's Northern Irish owner did however tell the Globe last week that it was in the process of "an orderly wind down" of its UK operations.

Last Monday, under the terms of the contract, the council served a seven day notice on Pierse Contracting Limited for abandoning the site without notice.

It said today that due to legal constraints the council was unable to disclose that information at the time.

Jones Bros Ltd, based in North Wales, was the second placed contractor in the original tendering process, the council said.

The new contractor will work on the site for the next 9-10 weeks, with minimum disruption to the original works plan.

Under the terms of the original contract, Pierse Contracting Limited has not received any money from the council.

In a statement the council said it is optimistic that the works will be completed within budget and without incurring any additional costs.

Costs incurred by the appointment and completion of works by the new contractor will be deducted from monies owed to the original contractor for the work already completed, the statement added.