The cost of Chatham’s controversial bus station and roadworks has risen yet again.

The twin schemes - which provoked outrage when the Sir John Hawkins flyover was demolished to make way for an outdoor bus station - are now £1.82m over-budget.

A report to councillors this week said final bills had come in higher than expected, adding further overspends could still emerge.

Three months ago the overspend was put at £1.21m.

Finance chief Cllr Alan Jarrett (Con) accused his own staff on the Medway Renaissance unit of lying about the costs, a charge they vehemently denied.

The figures came amid a number of overspends which have not been brought under control, including a long-running £1.22m figure on Stoke Crossing in Hoo.

The £10m road scheme was funded by a government grant but did not finish on time, so the extra costs are being met by council taxpayers.

However, the £3.4m overspend on regeneration projects this year has been balanced by a mix of cuts and extra funding elsewhere, including a £3.44m underspend in children’s and adult services.

That means the council’s building projects are in the black - but only just. There is a £78,000 underspend due at the end of the financial year next month.