ONE of the architects of the Highways PFI project has been paid more than £13,000 by the Isle of Wight Council to come back, in the hope he can help resolve contract disputes and find savings.

Former PFI project director Jay Jayasundara was once one of the council's highest paid officers. Mr Jayasundara helped draw up the PFI contract, since criticised following ongoing contractual disputes between Island Roads and the council.

Mr Jayasundara was brought back to advise on the project earlier this year and was paid £5,405.72 in January, and £7,785.63 in February.

The contract with Mr Jayasundara, and his firm Jasmine Consulting, finished at the end of March.

When asked why Mr Jayasundara had been brought back, a spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council said: "Mr Jayasundara is an expert in this field and has detailed knowledge of this particular contract.

"Part of his role is to advise the council on a number of issued to be resolved, for full savings to be made."

The council also said they had an savings target to help meet its financial challenges however, did not expand on what this target was.