Residents twice told to shift cars for works that failed to happen
RESIDENTS in two Derby streets say they have been left frustrated after being told to move their cars for roadworks twice, only for them never to happen.
People in Otter Street and Kingston Street in Darley Abbey say they are unhappy at the lack of communication that has seen dozens of vehicles moved out of the area for no reason.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said they were told to move their vehicles for June 3 and June 4 for the roadworks, but these never went ahead.
The works were rescheduled for August 5 and August 6, but again they did not take place.
The resident says no explanation was given and that there was no apology from contractor Kier or Derby City Council.
He said: “It’s been a pain in the back – every date we’ve been given we’ve cleared the streets and nothing has happened. A few people that I’ve spoken to are, to put it mildly, annoyed. Why can’t they tell us that the roadworks aren’t going ahead?”
He said he accepted the works need doing, but was frustrated by the lack of communication.
He said: “I’ve lived here 40 years and as far as I’m aware they’ve never completely resurfaced the road. Potholes have been patched up and they’ve stayed okay for a few years.
“It wouldn’t have been so bad if somebody had put something out to say these works would not be taking place.”
Now it looks like works are finally to begin after Kier posted letters to residents warning them they would begin “very soon”.
In a letter to residents this week, Kier said the delay had been down to “technical faults”.
It said: “Kier acknowledge that there has been numerous programme delays to these works and would apologies [sic] for any inconvenience this has caused. The delays have been caused by technical faults on our machinery.
“We are now glad to say that these have been dealt with and we are now able to recommence the micro asphalt programme on behalf of Derby City Council. Again we apologies [sic] for any inconvenience the delays have caused.”
It added that works going ahead would depend on good weather.
“If the conditions are not right, we will carry out the treatment as soon as we possibly can,” it said. A spokesperson for Derby City Council said: “The micro asphalt programme is a key part of our highways maintenance activities and we undertake this each year to protect our roads for the long term. We work with a contractor, Kier, to deliver this programme on our behalf.
“This year, Kier has unfortunately faced some issues resulting in delays to planned works for a small number of streets. We apologise to the residents that have been affected by these delays for any inconvenience caused.”
Kier has been contacted for comment.