Gnosall new pavements "no better than a DIY job" (Stone Liberal Democrats)

Stone Liberal Democrats <info@stonelibdems.org.uk>

Gnosall new pavements "no better than a DIY job"

April 6, 2004 1:29 PM

Barry Stamp inspecting the problem footpath

Barry Stamp, Staffordshire County Councillor, has this week said he is disappointed with the quality of work on newly laid footpath in Gnosall.Barry said he had been inundated with telephone calls from Gnosall residents complaining about the poor quality pavements that had been laid as part of the recent major road works on the A518 through the village.

Earlier last month the A518 through Gnosall was closed for three weeks to allow major rebuilding to take place. As part of this work new pavements were also installed. "It is clear that the quality of this work leaves a lot to be desired," said Barry. "Nearly everyone who rang me has complained about the uneven surface, which one local resident described as looking as if it had be laid by an incompetent D-I-Y'er! I must say this is good description of some of the work. In some parts the surface is loose, in others there are joins and deep scratches, while through out its length the uneven surface is covered in puddles in heavy rain. "

"As a County Councillor I cannot believe we allow contractors to produce work of this standard, but this seems to be the case. I have already raised the matter with the County Highways Department and suggested they withhold payment until a better finish is produced, but I fear my request has fallen on deaf ears. I am extremely concerned that when public money is involved a lower standard of workmanship is acceptable. In this case I really do feel local taxpayers are not getting value for money. I will however not let this matter rest and will be asking the County Council's Regeneration Scrutiny Committee to investigate just how the Council monitors highways work and how payments to contractors are made," said Councillor Stamp.