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Public urged to report shoddy utility repairs
Reporter: Richard Hooton
Date online: 01 February 2012
COUNCIL chiefs are urging residents to tell them when roadworks carried out by utilities companies are not up to standard.
Oldham Council says it is vital that roads and footpaths are reinstated using appropriate materials.
Councillor Jean Stretton, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “Oldham Council will not accept shoddy work on our streets and pavements.
“If you spot utilities work that you think is not up to standard, please get in touch with us and do your bit to help keep our streets and pavements safe.
“It does not cost tax payers or the council anything to make a utilities company return and correct work they have not completed properly.”
Council inspectors carry out around 20 to 30 utility works site visits a day to check compliance with the requirements of the New Roads and Street Works Act.
Where reinstatement of the pavement or carriageway does not meet the required standard, defect notices are issued and the company is told to return.
In one recent case in Beal Lane, Shaw, emergency repairs were being carried out on a cable fault without adequate pedestrian facilities. Electricity North West was instructed to provide pedestrian facilities and this was complied with.
On completion of the works the reinstatement was considered to be below standard and the contractor is due to carry out remedial works this weekend.
In Rochdale Road, Shaw, and Edge Lane Street, Royton, two different utilities firms were also told to return after finished work was deemed to be unacceptable.
If you are aware of any work being carried out on the highway that you feel is not safe, or is not of a good standard, then report it on 0161-770 4325.
Comments
Sorry, but Cllr Stretton and her fellow Councillor's must receive plenty of complaints about pot holes already. However it is a good idea that utility firms are followed up on any shoddy work.
Funny really, they won't accept shoddy work by third parties, but it doesn't bother them when their own staff turn in shoddy work. Roll on the day when the council sub contracts its services to private contractors who know what they're doing.
And what about the works undertaken by the Streetlighting gangs on behalf of the council? This believe it or not is not covered under the Act.I had to report serious issues with the guarding of the trenches. Also they have no-one to answer to if they leave the works open for long periods (3 weeks to connect to new lamp column????)
I have a good idea to save money. Why dont the inspectors who check after gas repairs etc check on the pothole repairs at the same time. Then the council could send itself back to do the work properly
Have Your Say
If, as is stated above, the council itself sends inspectors out to check the work is compliant with set criterias laid down by the "Act", why should I have to go out and do what they are paid to do as a after-thought? Cllr Stretton - I am not paid by the council to do their work, as a council tax payer I actually pay you to do that - so please put the tea and biscuits down, put your coat on and get cold like the rest of us!!
By DaveWarby27Duchess @ 01/02/2012 16:15:06