Tory chief wants power to limit roadwork misery
LOCAL authorities should be given more powers to coordinate roadworks to help minimise disruption to residents.
That was the call from councillors in Rochdale following a motion put forward at full council last week.
It follows a stream of complaints about work Virgin Media is doing in the Pennines.
As the Observer reported last month the firm, which is currently laying superfast broadband cables to 7,000 homes and businesses in Littleborough, Smithy Bridge, Wardle and Milnrow, apologised to residents following complaints about roadworks, traffic, and mess - and a lack of communication from Virgin Media.
Speaking at the time Coun Ashley Dearnley said: “The standard of work, the lack of information, the disregard for the public, it really is unacceptable.
“Some areas have been left in a disgraceful state and the council is being called out to clean up the mess. The problems have been going on for six weeks. Councillors in Littleborough and Milnrow are also getting lots of complaints. It’s disgraceful.”
The motion put forward by Coun Dearnley, leader of Rochdale’s Conservatives, said: “This council notes the significant disruption often caused by third party organisations who carry out street works, digging up sections of the highway or footpaths. Whilst local authorities have some powers in relation to this type of activity and Rochdale council endeavours to use the existing powers of the local authority to optimal benefit, we consider that the current powers are insufficient and should be extended so that all highways authorities are able to work more efficiently with cable and utility companies to better plan and programme street work activities, particularly around highway and footpath excavations; and that advance notice requirements are strengthened so that our communities have more time to prepare for any local disruption.
“This council calls on the chief executive to contact the Secretary of State for Transport out- ●●Coun Ashley Dearnley (inset) put forward the motion for more power to co-ordinate roadworks in the wake of disruption caused by Virgin Media laying internet cables lining our concerns and calling for a review of the statutory provisions for local authorities and third party organisations.”