Government minister visits Crewe to check out state of town's roads

Local Councillors met with Richard Holden MP, (Minister for Roads and Local Transport) in Willaston and Rope and Wistaston Wards on Sunday morning as he dropped by on his way north.

Cllr Allen Gage (Willaston & Rope) highlighted the issues on Rope Bank Avenue which (despite its proximity to the Berkeley Academy, it being on an important bus route, and his regular requests for action), has consistently failed over the past four years to attract cost-saving, level II patching repairs. 

So too, Dane Bank Avenue was cited by Cllr Margaret Simon (Wistaston) as an example of interim pot-hole repairs and utilities activity, that have compromised the overall integrity of this busy road that provides essential access to primary, secondary and FE College provisions.

Cllr Janet Clowes (Conservative Group Leader) highlighted the fact that the Group had brought forward a budget amendment to the February Budget which was supported by a large cross-party majority.                         

“This will see Cheshire East introduce a ‘Lane Rental Scheme’ requiring agencies that dig up our roads topay a charge for the use of the highway that can be used to provide improved highways repairs and servicing. I’ve been assured that a scheme will be ready for submission to the Minister within the next 12 months”.

Mr Holden MP explained:

“I know how important the maintenance of roads is, not only here in Crewe but also nationwide. Recently, the Government increased the annual potholes budget by 40%, meaning an additional £2.3 million for Cheshire East’s road maintenance. However, I must agree with local residents and Conservative councillors who are concerned that the Labour-run council isn’t using this funding as effectively as it could, with too many potholes currently blighting local roads.” 

“While extra money is a big step in the right direction, long term solutions are also necessary. That is why I’m glad, that even from opposition, the Conservative group has proposed a lane rental scheme which will make improvements more effective, efficient and timely whilst holding local utility companies accountable for the works they do on local pavements and roads.”