Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Chief Executive

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the year 3 detailed work programme as outlined in Appendix One and the areas to commence scoping work for years 4 and 5 of the programme, prior to a decision being made by the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places).

Officer Contact: Pete Price on 0161 474 4901 or email: pete.price@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Scrutiny Committee to comment on the year 3 detailed work programme, as outlined in Appendix One to the report, and the areas to commence scoping work for years 4 and 5 of the programme, prior to their consideration by the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places).

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) (Councillor Martin Candler) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The footway and carriageway works at a particular location were not always carried out at the same time.

·         A Member enquired whether it was more cost effective to carry out work which crossed the boundary of two wards whilst the contractors were in an area rather than adhere rigidly to Ward boundaries.

·         The Head of Service confirmed that it was possible to add works to a contract.

·         In response to a question, the Head of Service explained the difference between micro asphalt and surface dressing.

·         Project teams were being set up with contractors to monitor the quality of work undertaken.

·         A Member expressed concern about the quality of some of the slurry seal work undertaken on footways as she had evidence of weeds coming through a few weeks after work had been undertaken. Effective slurry sealing should be preceded by effective weed control.

·         If schemes on the reserve list were not carried out, they could be ‘rolled forward’ to the next financial year.

·         A Member felt that the nine years’ programme should be accelerated.

·         It was acknowledged that road conditions did change since the original survey was carried out three years ago, with some carriageways being more badly affected by severe winter weather than others. In addition, consideration needed to be given in the programme to the effect on nearby roads, particularly in Hazel Grove and High Lane, of the construction of the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Supporting Places) be recommended to approve the Highway Investment Programme for 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19.