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Agreement reached in tram talks Agreement reached in tram talks
(10 minutes later)
A resolution has been reached in the Edinburgh tram dispute, according to council chiefs. A resolution has been reached in the Edinburgh tram dispute, which has seen track laying on the capital's main thoroughfare halted for four weeks.
A deadlock between project bosses Tie and their contractors has seen track laying on the capital's main thoroughfare halted for four weeks. Following crunch talks, the work will begin on Princes Street next week.
The work will begin on Princes Street next week, following last ditch negotiations. Project bosses Tie and their contractors Bilfinger Berger have been locked in a deadlock over disputed costs since 21 February.
Council leader Jenny Dawe said she was "delighted" with the outcome after "a frustrating period". Edinburgh City Council leader Jenny Dawe said she was "delighted" with the outcome after "a frustrating period".
Outstanding issuesOutstanding issues
The dispute emerged just 24 hours before Princes Street was closed to all traffic on 21 February, to allow the first tracks to be laid. The dispute emerged just 24 hours before Princes Street was closed to all traffic, to allow the first tracks to be laid.
Transport Initiative Edinburgh (Tie) accused contractor Bilfinger Berger of demanding millions of pounds in extra payments. Transport Initiative Edinburgh (Tie) accused its contractors of demanding millions of pounds in extra payments.
Independent assessors were about to have been called in if no agreement had been reached after the latest crunch talks. Independent assessors were about to have been called in if no agreement had been reached after the latest talks.
Ms Dawe said: "I am delighted with this outcome and eagerly look forward with anticipation to the first sections of track being laid on Princes Street.Ms Dawe said: "I am delighted with this outcome and eagerly look forward with anticipation to the first sections of track being laid on Princes Street.
"The last month has been a frustrating period for everyone involved, not least the people of Edinburgh, and it's great news that the consortium and Tie have finally been able to resolve the outstanding issues."The last month has been a frustrating period for everyone involved, not least the people of Edinburgh, and it's great news that the consortium and Tie have finally been able to resolve the outstanding issues.
"Everyone concerned is now focused on delivering a world-class tram service to the people of Edinburgh and the millions of visitors who visit our capital city"."Everyone concerned is now focused on delivering a world-class tram service to the people of Edinburgh and the millions of visitors who visit our capital city".
A spokesman for the BSC Consortium, of which Bilfinger Berger is a part, said: "We are pleased that agreement for Princes Street has been reached and look forward to progressing the works in a spirit of co-operation."A spokesman for the BSC Consortium, of which Bilfinger Berger is a part, said: "We are pleased that agreement for Princes Street has been reached and look forward to progressing the works in a spirit of co-operation."
David Mackay, chairman of Tie, said: "I welcome today's decision to proceed with the Princes Street section and I have very much appreciated the full support of council leader Jenny Dawe."David Mackay, chairman of Tie, said: "I welcome today's decision to proceed with the Princes Street section and I have very much appreciated the full support of council leader Jenny Dawe."