Prevent road to ruin
I HAVE to agree with the recent correspondent Geoff Davis that many of Royston s roads are in a poor state. Most of my colleagues at County Hall would also agree their local roads are in a poor state and needing maintenance. Under-funding by central Gov
I HAVE to agree with the recent correspondent Geoff Davis that many of Royston's roads are in a poor state.
Most of my colleagues at County Hall would also agree their local roads are in a poor state and needing maintenance.
Under-funding by central Government for our Local Transport Plan over the years has caused most of this problem, coupled with the fact that Hertfordshire roads are among the most heavily used in the country, and therefore need more maintenance spend.
The poor condition of our roads is by far the most criticised subject by residents in the county.
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This year to try and address the issue, the county council has resourced an additional £10 million, to be spent on local roads and footpaths.
Schemes are currently being drawn up which prioritise work in areas county-wide.
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Local committees have seen the listings for the first phase of this enhanced maintenance programme, which will be very much just surface dressing.
The second phase this year covers roads that require reconstruction because of the poor condition of the surface - and at much greater cost. I am please to report that Kneesworth Street, Melbourn Street, and York Way appear on that priority list, and that Old North Road is on the reserve list for this year, if funding permits.
So, Geoff Davis, what's going on? It is a great deal of work to try and address both your and all our concerns - it may only scratch the surface this year, but we will keep trying to catch up with the work on our ever deteriorating road network.
Our A roads have now reached a satisfactory level of maintenance, it is our local roads which concern us now. They all under review.
DOUG DRAKE
County Councillor
Royston division
