Agenda item

Richard White Assistant Director (Neighbourhood Services) gave a presentation on maintenance services as provided by the City of York Council.   Richard covered the history of the department and the main components of the service. 

Richard covered the Winter Maintenance Policy which is available online or in libraries.  He stated during the recent bad weather spell that 44% of the road network was gritted which compares favourably with other councils and puts York in the upper quartile.  However only 2% of footpaths were gritted and certain criteria applied to which ones took priority.   He stated that it would be impossible to clear a large percentage of footpaths as the council does not have the resources to do this in manpower alone.

Richard stated that the winter policy which had been effective for the last fifteen years, was being reviewed in light of the latest extreme weather, to deal with such severe events.  He encouraged residents to view the policy and phone in their comments to York 551 551 or email in.  He emphasised the need to be realistic when making comments and to consider logistics and resources.

He then went on to cover topics which had been raised so far in the consultation. 

• Salt Bins – Two years ago a review of use was undertaken and the  number of salt bins was reduced after it was found that 60% were hardly used.  There may be a move to bags which cost around £5 as opposed to bins which cost £150.
• Gritting footpaths – Currently reviewing criteria for clearance but logistically impossible to do a large number.
• Secondary Routes – majority not gritted to protect dwindling salt supplies, prioritisation was necessary.
• Cycle paths – Grit has to be trafficked in to allow it to be effective, cycles do not achieve this.  
• Pot holes – Richard emphasised the need to report issues, extra resources had been supplied to deal with emergencies.  So far there had been a 50-60% increase in reporting.

Richard praised the work done by the gritting teams who worked continually all through the bad weather including Christmas and New Years Day.

Q – What do you do with damaged salt bins?

Richard White – They are used as spare parts.

Q – Where is additional funding coming from?

Cllr Healy – It will come out of the reserves and we have applied to a government fund for potholes but there is no guarantee we will get it.

Q – Copmanthorpe village is split into two parts, so you have to travel to the shops but the roads and footpaths have been treacherous?

Richard – Report it but again but be aware of logistical issues.

Q – Are Neighbourhood Services delivered in house?

A – Yes services have proved very efficient when compared against private contractors.

Q – Some salt bins which have been taken away were on busy junctions and yet there are salt bins placed less dangerous or well used areas, why?

A – The winter maintenance policy is being reviewed and there may be a need to reinstate certain slat bins but always report your concerns into us.

Q – There are footpaths which are near busy bus routes that were not cleared?

A – The criteria for clearing footpaths is currently being looked at.

Q – How do you decide what roads are repaired as I live on a concrete road which is in a bad state of disrepair?

A – Roads are surveyed annually, some more then that.  Then other criteria is used such as, bus rotes, usage etc.  These are then put together and scored and a list is sent to Councillors to decide priorities.  We have tried to attract additional funding to improve some roads but this is a national problem.