Slough Residents' Questions - 20 July 2004

 

Question 5
   

From:  Mr Nick Hoath

Why hasn’t some kind of sanction been used against those responsible for the maintenance of our streets, including potholes and street lighting? There are various disgraceful instances where these problems have not been fixed for in excess of 12 months. And further instances where the repairs have been of substandard quality.

Reply: Councillor Dexter Smith

Thank you for your question. There has been significant under-funding of roads, pavements and street lighting in the past. I am determined to reverse that and am bidding in the next budget round for more resources in this area.

Our street lighting is maintained by Southern Electric and recently when the number of lights in full working order fell to around 90% we imposed a substantial contract penalty, which has resulted in the percentage working rising to 97% currently. Nevertheless, we know the lights are in poor condition, hence the budget bid.

On highways maintenance Council employees inspect all roads at least once a year, and in many cases more frequently. These inspections result in orders to repair defects. Work is prioritised on the severity of the defect and its location – high usage areas have greater priority but the amount of work done is limited by the budget available.

Specific complaints can be referred to the highways team, telephone 01753 876635 or email: highways@slough.gov.uk.

  28 December 2005