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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.