Following comments and queries received recently from residents regarding the poor and unsightly condition of some of the footpaths in and around our villages I thought it would be helpful to update on progress with some of the remedial schemes I’ve requested; some of them already completed, some under way and others included in the highways works programme.
Mickle Hill Road, from Blackhall Rocks to High Hesleden:
Works at this location have now been completed, except for a short stretch in the pavement from the Black Path towards the junction at The Elms in High Hesleden. Additional works requested at this location have been passed to the highways team for assessment.
A1086 Coast Road, from Blackhall Rocks to Crimdon:
Works to the most severely damaged section of this path opposite South Blackhall Farm, from the top of Belmonte Avenue towards Crimdon, are scheduled to be carried out in the current highways work programme (please see image below).
The repairs request for the rest of this pavement heading along the A1086 towards The Seagull has been passed to the highways section to assess its suitability for footway surface treatment (FST) works. I am told that this type of work is seasonal so I’ve asked for remedial works to be prioritised for completion as early as possible next year in advance of the summer season (please go to the article on this site dated Thursday 2 July 2020 for background details)
Station Road, Blackhall Rocks (from the railway bridge to the picnic area):
The overgrowth encroaching onto the pathway at this location was cut back earlier this year but it’s grown in again recently, narrowing the path in some parts and forcing people to walk on the road.
I’ve issued a request to the maintenance team to cut back the overgrowth as far as possible to allow for people with pushchairs, disability scooters and walking aids to get safe access to and from the coast. I’ll report on progress with this request when I have an update from the maintenance team.
Eden Cottages, Hesleden:
Initial works on the pavements at Eden Cottages were carried out recently and remedial works are ongoing (please see the post on this site dated Thursday 2 July 2020 for background details).
Hesleden Road, Blackhall Colliery:
Following concerns expressed by residents about faded road markings at this location I asked the highways section to consider reinstating the markings. I’ve received this response:
Rob, I have requested that the road markings along Hesleden Road are recovered and I’ve passed an order over to be sent to our contractor. We are fighting against the weather now as road markings can’t be put down during wet/cold conditions (salt is also a problem as it prevents the marking from adhering to the road surface), but they will endeavour to get them done as soon as they can.
I’ll update on progress with these schemes as soon as I have further details from the highways section.
