Road investment goal pitched to community

A highways and footway surface area equivalent to 144 Wembley Stadium football pitches is proposed to be improved under proposals published by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

More than 253 acres of roads and pavements will either be resurfaced or surface dressed from April 2010 onwards as part of the Council’s £6.5 million budget commitment for highways improvements promoted across the district. One hundred and sixteen locations across Keynsham, Paulton, Radstock, Westfield, Midsomer Norton, Bath, and village communities are subject to the proposals which were this week distributed to Parish Council’s and Councillors for comment.

Councillor Charles Gerrish, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said, “The Wembley football pitch comparison puts into perspective our ambitious plan. It is equivalent to ten percent of our road network. The plan is based upon a combination of our regular Highways Team inspections and feedback from local people about what areas they see as needing to be improved. Bath & North East Somerset Council’s substantial multi-million pound investment programme will help meet our goal of improving transport and public spaces.

“Proactively improving road surfaces now will prevent potholes, resulting in local taxpayer’s money being saved in the future.”

This work is in addition to the Council’s reactive road maintenance which has patched 3,783 square metres of roads and pavements and filled 1,665 potholes since January.

How to report problems

The quickest and most convenient method for residents to report significant concerns about roads and pavements is to either call Council Connect on 01225 394041 between 8am (9.30am Wednesday) and 6pm Monday to Friday or email councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk at any time day or night or text 07797 806545.

More information

Residents can view the important role our highways inspectors play in improving the highways by viewing our short video, which includes a demonstration of how potholes are filled. Go to: www.bathnes.gov.uk/roadsvideo

For more information on how we manage the network go to: www.bathnes.gov.uk/improvinghighways