DEFECTS identified at Barons Quay will be rectified as soon as possible according to the firm who built the shopping centre.

The serious defects, which include cracks in glass panels and an aluminium fin that recently fell down, were highlighted by the town's MP in a scathing letter sent to Balfour Beatty.

Mike Amesbury called on the firm to fix the defects, which also include the breaking up of the service road at Weaver Way.

The £80m scheme only celebrated its fifth birthday recently, and Thomas Edgcumbe, the managing director at Balfour Beatty, has moved to reassure the Weaver Vale MP the company is taking the issue seriously.

Northwich Guardian:

In a response to Mr Amesbury's letter of February 8, Mr Edgcumbe responded saying repair works will commence 'as soon as possible'.

He said: "We obviously take the concerns of stakeholders in connection with buildings we have constructed very seriously. 

"My head of Aftercare, Sarah Thornicroft, and her team have been engaged with Cheshire West and Chester Council for some time.

"After a change of personnel at the council, a proposal from us, which has been on the table for a while, is believed to be acceptable in relation to the glazing.

"That agreement will enable the works to commence as soon as possible. 

"Investigations into the other matters continue, with my team investing time and external resource into identifying the causes.

"We continue in regular dialogue with the council team regarding these.

"Again, please be assured that we take these matters seriously.

"We are working collaboratively with the council to resolve any issues we are responsible for as quickly as possible."

Cheshire West and Chester Council confirmed last week it hopes the repair work will be completed this summer.