Caroline Pidgeon AM, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting on the publication after much delay of the Garden Bridge Trust accounts. said:
“Even advocates of the Garden Bridge with rose-tinted glasses will find these accounts incredibly concerning.
“The Trust has finally admitted what most people have long expected was the case - that the final cost of the project is likely to increase substantially above the current £185 million predicted cost.
“The Trust is admitting for the second time that the costs of this project are spiralling upwards. That can only mean an even greater risk to the taxpayer ultimately picking up the costs of this folly of a project.
“The other admissions of the Garden Bridge Trust relating to a wide range of other risks are also significant and should concern every London taxpayer.
“The harsh reality is that the Garden Bridge is on the brink of collapse. The Mayor of London must now do the right thing. He should refuse to provide a taxpayer guarantee for the project and so put the whole sorry saga to an end.”