A £58,000 overspend on the construction of Caldicot's 3G pitch was scrutinised last Wednesday (18th March).

The extra money was required after the discovery of unstable ground conditions and flooding problems on the pitch.

Questions were raised as to why ground conditions or issues with flooding weren't factored in before building commenced.

Councillor Dimitri Batrouni said it was a "basic fundamental thing" and that this should be raised with the contractor.

Mike Moran, community infrastructure coordinator at Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) said: "This is a point council needs to consider in moving forward with any future major capital investment

"We didn't do borehole work on the pitch in Caldicot because there wasn't enough funding to do it. We've never done it on a pitch in the past.

"The flooding was completely unexpected."

MCC's cabinet have agreed funding of £53,000 should be taken from Section 106 monies and £5,000 from Caldicot School to cover the overspend.

The cost to stabilise the ground conditions originally reached £56,000 and flood remedial works £15,000, totalling £71,000. This has since been lowered to £58,000.

Potential additional works also included: improved site drainage with an estimated cost of £19,504; an upgraded electrical supply priced at £25,500 and site security fencing at £3,068. None of these options were proceeded with.

The pitch is currently being used by pupils and members of the public.

Cabinet's recommendations will go before full council for confirmation.