THE leader of Darlington Borough Council has again refused to apologise over the Pedestrian Heart gas pipe blunder which led to a huge overspend of £780,000.

Despite renewed calls from opposition councillors this week, Coun John Williams refused to accept responsibility for mistakes that led to the council giving up hope of recouping the money.

The row dates back to 2006 when machinery struck a gas main, causing a long delay and extra expense.

An investigation revealed that the council was unlikely to be able to reclaim the sum because vital documents were missing.

At a meeting of the council cabinet on Tuesday evening, it was decided not to pursue legal action against the developers unless further evidence came to light.

The decision followed a review by Coun Ian Haszeldine’s resources scrutiny committee.

Coun Haszeldine said: “It would be remiss of this council to throw more money at this when there is such a small chance of winning. However, that isn’t to say more evidence won’t come to light at a later date.”

Speaking to Coun Williams, the leader of the Conservative group, Coun Heather Scott, said: “Have you given any apologies for the mismanagement of this contract? One of the reasons we cannot pursue legal action is the absence of paperwork. As council leader, you are the one with the responsibility for the management of this contract.

“You have a duty to apologise.

Coun Haszeldine did say mistakes had been made.”

Coun Williams said his responsibility as council leader was not managing the authority, but shaping its future through policy.

He referred to a recent attack by Liberal Democrat councillor Mike Barker, who had called for his resignation over the gas pipe affair.

Coun Williams said: “I said very clearly then, that when I lose the confidence of the majority of the members of this council, I will willingly resign because my position will be untenable.

“At the moment, as I understand it, I retain the confidence of the majority of this council.”