Agenda item

Report of the Director of Transportation and Highways

To consider the above petition bearing 16 e-signatures. The petition organiser has been invited to the meeting for the consideration of this item

The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Director of Transportation and Highways concerning a petition, bearing 16 e-signatures, requesting the resurfacing of the footpath between Eden Street and Heath Crescent along with action to prevent the persistent fly tipping. The report had been requested by the petition organiser following the receipt of a determination letter. A statement was read out on behalf of the petition organiser who was unavailable for the meeting.

The report indicated that the footpath was a pedestrian only route from the end of Eden Street to where it emerged at the A444 and joined Watersmeet Road. It was susceptible to fly tipping, particularly at the Eden Street end as this was located adjacent to an industrial estate. This meant it was remote and the opportunity to fly tip was easier particularly outside normal daytime working hours. A location plan was set out at an appendix to the report.

The City Council’s Environmental and Regulatory Services team and Street Pride Cleansing team were familiar with the site acknowledging that the area was a known ‘fly tipping’ hotspot site. The council had installed a camera at the site and as a result would be able to monitor any specific fly tipping activity and take the appropriate action in response. The camera was located on a lamp column on Eden Street and it was on a tour taking in Crabmill Lane and Eden Street. It was intended to look at vehicles going down the road. It was reported that a secondary ANPR camera had now been ordered and was to be installed at the location over the next few days.

The Cabinet Member was informed that the Street Pride Cleansing Team attended this site on a fortnightly basis to pick up litter. In order to help prevent fly tipping the team had installed a bollard at the entrance to the footpath at Eden Street to prevent vehicles being able to access the footpath.

The report detailed that that the last annual programmed safety inspection of the footpath took place in October 2020. Following receipt of the petition an engineer made a separate visit in January, 2021 to make an assessment of the construction and overall condition of the footpath. It was noted that the footpath comprises of a bituminous surface in an aged condition with widths varying from 3.0 to 2.2 metres along its length. Vegetation overhung the footway in various sections and at the time of the visit a build-up of leaves/vegetation partly restricted the pedestrian route. The existing footway surface was broken up in places by exposed tree roots and would need treatment at various locations to provide a level surface. In addition, there was evidence of fly tipping at the northernmost end of the footway which could create access issues to vulnerable users and pushchairs. The pedestrian count was low at the time of inspection and there were no defects observed at intervention level.

Following the engineer’s assessment, and given the current condition, pedestrian usage and comparing the general condition with other footpaths across the City, the recommended treatment would be resurfacing to restore the line and level and provide an even and uniform walking surface. Until such time that this work could be carried out, the Council would continue to make safe any defects at or above the intervention level as identified by way of small localised repairs. Future capital maintenance programmes and proposed treatments to roads and pavements were established on a ‘worst first’ basis across all road categories. Consequently, the actual scheduling of the works for the location would be based on priority of the scheme and funds available.

Officers reported that there had been 45 incidents of fly tipping during the last twelve months and fixed penalty notices had been issued where possible. Seven of the referrals had come from members of the public. There was also one ongoing prosecution case concerning fly tipping in the area.

The statement submitted by the petition organiser referred to a recent announcement from the Council about additional funding of £11m for roads and £2m for pavements. It was clarified that the funding had been awarded by the Department of Transport and included conditions for specific repairs. The footpath between Eden Street and Heath Crescent didn’t meet the criteria for improvement works. Reference was also made to the overgrown vegetation and it was reported that works would be undertaken. The organiser had requested the installation of a new wooden fence and the planting of new flowers and trees.

RESOLVED that:

(1) The petitioners’ concerns be noted.

(2) It be approved that the footpath be held on Coventry City Council’s forward programme list and its condition will continue to be monitored and scored against all other similar sites citywide. If budgets permit, then this stretch be resurfaced no sooner that 2022/23. In the interim the footpath will continue to be kept safe by way of localised repairs to any areas that meet the Council’s current intervention levels.

(3) The measures already put in place to monitor and deter fly tipping incidences at this location be noted.