Council orders roadworks to be carried out again
Two roads in Bedford Borough will be resurfaced again after
Council inspections found the works carried out by contractors
recently are not up to scratch.
Council engineers have recently inspected the works carried out
on Stanley Street and Cotswold Close and found the materials used
do not meet the Council’s rigid specifications. The contractors
have therefore been instructed to return and resurface
approximately 50% of Cotswold Close and the whole of Stanley
Street. This work will be carried out at no cost to the Council or
local taxpayers.
The previous repairs were carried out on Stanley Street between
the 23rd and 28th February and on Cotswold Close on 22nd February.
The current surface is not dangerous and does appear to be newly
laid. However, the Council believes it will not last as long as
expected and should be replaced to secure value for taxpayers’
money.
The new works will take place on the 21st March on Cotswold
Close and on the 21st and 22nd March on Stanley Street. Road
closures will be in effect during this time and local residents
will be directly informed by letter and advance warning signs will
be put in place.
Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for the Environment
and Transport, said: “The condition of our roads is one of the most
common issues local residents get in touch with the Council about.
That is why we are investing millions of pounds every year to
enable us to repair record numbers of potholes across the borough
as well as carrying out major repair resurfacing works where
needed.
“We also monitor the standard of all works undertaken to ensure
it meets our expectations. If this doesn’t happen we require
contractors to return and do the job again. Similarly, the Council
is not liable for the costs of extra works and we also ensure the
contractors guarantee on the work is renewed and starts from the
date we decide the work is good enough.
“I apologise to drivers and local residents who are likely to be
inconvenienced by this for a short period of time. However, I
firmly believe it is vital works on our highways are carried out to
the highest possible standards and we will work hard on behalf of
the residents of the borough to make sure this happens.”