Agenda item

Report of the Director of Transportation and Highways

To consider the above petition, bearing 43 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 43 signatures, requesting that the verge in Park Avenue be tarmacked. The petition was supported by Councillor Lancaster, a Holbrooks Ward Councillor who was unavailable for the meeting. Councillor Clifford, also a Holbrooks Ward Councillor, attended along with the petition organiser and they spoke in support of the petition.

The Cabinet Member had considered the petition prior to this meeting and requested that the petition was dealt with by determination letter. On receipt of the determination letter, the petition organiser had advised that she wanted the issue to be considered at a Cabinet Member for City Services meeting. A copy of the determination letter was set out at Appendix B to the report.

The report indicated that Park Avenue was a residential cul-de-sac off Holbrook Lane.  A location plan was set out at Appendix A to the report.

The determination letter had advised that, in response to the petition, Park Avenue would be added to verge scheme request list; however, verge programme requests were prioritised in line with the verge protection policy, which gave greater priority to roads on major routes. New Bredon gravel had been laid on the verges and a recent inspection found no maintenance issues.  Park Avenue would continue to be monitored as part of the highway inspection programme.

The report detailed that Bredon gravel was the standard material used by the Highways Maintenance Team for verge repairs, as it compacted well over time. The annual inspection of Park Avenue had been undertaken recently by the Council’s Highways Inspectors and no defects were identified that met the Council’s criteria for intervention.

The cost of verge protection schemes was funded from the Highways Maintenance and Investment Capital Programme budget through the Local Transport Plan.

Councillor Clifford informed that the verge was in a very poor condition, especially when the weather was wet. The Bredon gravel would be acceptable if it had been laid properly, however, at the present time the gravel just mixed with the mud which prevented the surface water from draining away. He highlighted the difficulties that this caused for residents. 

The petition organiser detailed that the problem experienced by residents had been ongoing for the past 10 years. The gravel had been thrown down and not compacted so it wasn’t working. The verge was uneven and presented a trip hazard. The dips caused large puddles. She highlighted the need for proper preparation works prior to the gravel being put down.

Officers clarified that Bredon gravel was the option for such verges. Priority for verge funding works was given to verges on the main arterial routes in and out of the city. It was clarified that the DLO would be requested to carry out a further replacement of the Bredon gravel highlighting the issues that had arisen. If this was unsuccessful then there was a further potential option which could be considered which involved using recycled materials as an alternative solution.

RESOLVED that:

(1) The petitioners’ concerns be noted.

(2) Officers be requested to arrange for the Bredon gravel to be replaced on the verge at Park Avenue and, if this treatment is not successful, further consideration be given to an alternative solution.