A few days ago the Council published it's carriageway resurfacing programme 2008/9 and we were shocked to find that NO streets in Redlands would be resurfaced over the next 12 months. This is the second year running that the Council has overlooked streets in desperate need of repair in the ward.
As part of our regular surveys and walkabouts of the ward we have identified and reported a large number of roads needing urgent repairs to the Council including Donnington Gardens, Blenheim Road, De Beauvoir Road, Hexham Road, Malvern Court and Hatherley Road. The road surface on these roads are pitted and full of potholes: this does damage to bicycle and car tyres. Residents have highlighted these problems to us and we have pressed the Council to act.
I wrote to the Highways department to find out why, once again, these problems are not being dealt with by the Council and got the following reponse:
"Regrettably there is insufficient funds to treat all roads identified. Those locations that are not included in this years major resurfacing programme will therefore role into future programmes. In the meantime reactive maintenance, as required, will continue in the usual manner,"
Continuing in 'the usual manner' will no doubt mean patching up the potholes that continually appear and failing to renew the disintegrating road surfaces. Is this policy offering value for money for Council tax payers in Redlands? Unsurprisingly this sticking-plaster approach was presented as a good news story today by the Labour-run adminstration.
I have tabled a formal question to Council asking precisely when these roads will be repaired. We have also launched a petition which will allow local residents to register their anger at this decision and help us press for action. Please sign it here. What's the road surface like on streets in your neighbourhood? Please contact me if there are problems and I will make sure the Council hears about them.
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