3-month suspension of 'non-emergency' repairs in areas already hit by disruption

STAFFORDSHIRE'S new highways chief has put a three-month freeze on new nonessential roadworks in areas already affected by disruption.

- Kerry Ashdown

Emergency work will go ahead but Staffordshire County Council will ask utility companies to cut the time taken to carry out repairs, the new cabinet member for highways said.

In an open letter, Councillor Peter Mason said the authority would 'refrain from adding new works to main roads in heavily disrupted areas unless it can be shown that it will not further impact these routes' for the next three months. This means some works will be delayed.

Councillor Mason added: "In recent weeks, I have seen lots of discussion on road repairs and utility works taking place across the county and the impact on daily routines. There are a high number of repairs currently active and planned, particularly in some of our towns."

He said since taking on his role in mid-May, it 'has become clear that the previous administration's rush to spend additional Government funding has seen some areas reach saturation point' adding: "I have instructed changes to the way works are planned going forward."