York Council footpath investment down by 40%

New figures reveal that investment, in keeping York’s footpaths in a safe condition, has fallen by 41% over he last 5 years

Expenditure on repairs peaked at £1.8 million in 2009 when the Council was under Liberal Democrat Leadership.

Neglected roads and paths in Kingsway West reported on Saturday

Neglected roads and paths in Kingsway West reported on Saturday

This year only £1 million will be spent. The detailed figures – revealed in response to a Freedom of Information request – are:

• 2009/10 – £1,794k

• 2010/11 – £1,784k

• 2011/12 – £1,667k

• 2012/13 – £1,160k

• 2013/14 – £1,050k

The Council received 48 claims for compensation last year from people who had fallen on badly maintained footpaths. £6,750 was paid out in compensation

The number of complaints about pavements doubled in 2012/13 to 554 from a level of 258 two years earlier.

The Council admits that 5% of its footpaths require resurfacing.

Each year the Council resurfaces less than 1% of the total mileage of footpaths in the City.

The most complained about footpaths are Front Street in Acomb and Coney Street.

NB. The Council are currently spending £500,000 relaying flags in Kings Square. despite the area being in a generally good condition

Vehicle damage claims against York Council increase by over 400%

Potholes

The number of claims for damage to vehicles in York, as a result of poor road surfaces, has increased by over 400%.

In 2011/12, 13 drivers made a claim against the York Council

This spiralled to 70 in 2012/13

The value of compensation paid, however, reduced from £1455 to £333.

The Council had halved the amount that it was investing in highways maintenance in 2012/13.

A Freedom of Information response has identified the road in poorest condition in York.

Moor Lane, near Murton, attracted 10 damage claims between 23-12-2012 and 06-01-2013

The Council says that, generally, a road has a surface design life of 15 years.

At any one time there are around 40 potholes on the York road network requiring attention. This increases in the winter as a result of the impact that ice has on poorly maintained carriageway surfaces.

Potholes can be reported here http://www.mycouncilservices.com/

Traffic congestion update – Essential resurfacing works on Askham Fields Lane roundabout tonight and tomorrow

click on image for latest position

click on image for latest position

Traffic congestion is increasing on the inner ring road as the Friday evening peak approaches. Click map for up to date information

The City of York Council will carry out essential resurfacing works on the roundabout on Askham Fields Lane from Friday (30 August).

The works are programmed to take two nights in total to complete, working Friday and Saturday nights between the hours of 10pm and 5am.

To carry out the works safely, a road closure will be in place and there will be a signed diversion route in operation for local and through traffic.

Pedestrian access will be available at all times. Cyclists will have to dismount and use the footways when travelling through the affected areas.

Bus services will be diverted whilst the works are ongoing. Please contact Bus Info on 01904 551400 for the revised arrangements.

As with any construction work, there is likely to be a certain amount of disruption and inconvenience but everything reasonably possible will be done to keep this to a minimum. However, motorists should expect some delays and plan their journey accordingly.

Huntsman’s Walk footpaths – residents views ignored by Council

Yesterday the Labour Council decided not to repair the footpaths in Huntsman’s Walk.

A meeting considered a petition from residents which pointed to the very poor condition of the footpaths.

The petition has given the area a higher priority when funding becomes available.

It now ranks at 61st in the waiting list compared to 96th a year ago.

But with many roads and footpaths deteriorating rapidly, it could be years before resurfacing is authorised.

Huntsman’s Walk footpath petition

Petition being considered on Tuesday

Petition being considered on Tuesday

A petition collected last year, which asks for the footpaths in Huntsman’s Walk to be resurfaced, will be considered by the York Council on Tuesday

The petition was organised – by Westfield Liberal Democrats – following a rapid deterioration in the condition of the footpath

The officer report confirms that the path between Tedder Road and Foxwood Lane is in poor condition. It was, however, ranked as only the 96th priority for resurfacing this year.

The petition has now raised the priority of the path to 61st on the waiting list.

The cost of resurfacing the footpath is put at £48,750.

It is likely that the Labour Councillor, who will decide whether to approve the resurfacing, will decide not to give the path a higher priority. It therefore may, or may not, be done next year.

NB. The budget for highway maintenance works was halved when Labour took office at the Guildhall in 2011.

A massive backlog of highways maintenance work is building up.

However Labour have found £600,000 to pay for the introduction of a 20 mph speed limit in west York!