Issue - decisions

5.1      Upgrade of pavements in Logan Road

Cabinet NOTED the comments made by Frank Treviss speaking on behalf of the South Kenton & Preston Park Resident Association, in support of a previously submitted petition containing 52 signatures seeking an upgrade of the pavements in Logan Road.  In addressing Cabinet Mr Traviss, whilst welcoming the repair works undertaken under the small works programme following previous presentation of the petition to Cabinet in September 2021, highlighted concerns regarding the ongoing condition of the footpaths given their importance as a well-used route to the local school and lack of any subsequent complete upgrade and replacement.  He also reminded members that the road provided the main pedestrian and vehicle access to a bowling and social club, which was well used by a range of community organisations.  He was therefore keen to ensure consideration was given to what he felt was the necessary upgrade required as part of the Council’s footway maintenance and upgrade programme.

Having thanked Mr Treviss for presenting the petition, the Leader advised that he had also received written representations from Councillor Kennelly, as a local ward councillor, in support of the petition.  Whilst recognising the significant funding challenge faced by the Council in terms of the resources available to undertake pavement and highway repairs (based on the estimated £100m being required to address all existing issues across the borough) Councillor Kennelly was keen to highlight the importance of investment in footways as a means of further encouraging active travel, particularly in terms of the school run and as part of the efforts being made to tackle the climate emergency, reduce local emissions and improve air quality.  In welcoming the additional investment of £15m identified by the Council to tackle footway and highway repairs and attempts being made to attract alternative sources of funding, he felt the upgrade sought in relation to the footway in Logan Road would further support the local Primary School in terms of their environmental sustainability and in further encouraging more active modes of travel under the schools streets initiative.

In responding, Councillor Krupa Sheth, as Cabinet member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, thanked Mr Treviss for his presentation. Whilst aware of the issues raised, the need was highlighted to recognise the ongoing imbalance between the level of demand identified across the borough in terms of footpath upgrades and maintenance and resources available which had required prioritisation in relation to both the planned and reactive footway maintenance programmes. As a result of the most recent footway inspection, it was reported that the overall condition of Logan Road had been assessed as “Fair” and on this basis it would not be considered a priority when compared to the condition of other footways for upgrade.  In concluding, however, it was pointed out that the Council was in the process of finalising its footway upgrade programme for 2023/24 – 2025/26 and this would provide a further opportunity for Logan Road to be considered for inclusion alongside other locations across the borough, supported by the representations made by the local ward councillor.

Having noted the response provided, Councillor Muhammed Butt ended by welcoming the contributions made at the meeting which he advised would be taken into account as part of the ongoing development of the Council’s footways maintenance and upgrade programme.