Norfolk County Council criticised for rushed pavement repair

Neighbours in and near Silver Road have criticised Norfolk County Council for the rough and “dangerous” revamp.

Because of cars parked along Silver Road work has had to be undertaken around them (Image: Jenny Knight)

They have also slammed the council over the lack of communication as they say leaflets about the upcoming work were only sent to those living on the road but not to those in adjoining streets.

Jenny Knight has lived in Bull Close Road, adjoining Silver Road, for three years. She said: "The council has a job to communicate with us what's happening and when.

Jenny Knight who lives in the adjacent Bull Close Road, said the work feels really rushed and dangerous (Image: Jenny Knight)

"So something like this applies to any neighbouring roads, because there are people who park their cars in Silver Road but are maybe a street or two away.

"There are now entire sections that need to be done again because it's been done so poorly because cars were parked there.

"Not only that but certain sections are a trip hazard for people because there are blobs of tar sticking up and generally it's very uneven.

"Overall it feels really rushed and dangerous in places."

Gary Champion, Green Party councillor for Sewell Ward, added: "I've had numerous conversations with people about the poor condition of roads and pavements.

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The current state of the pavements in Silver Road (Image: Jenny Knight)

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"I was pleased to hear letters had been sent to people in Silver Road about the planned resurfacing.

"However when the work started it became apparent that due to all the parked cars the work would be impeded.

"The council's communication didn't state when the work was happening and furthermore no letters were sent to people in adjoining roads.

"As a result the workers have spent additional time going back on themselves and there are
still long swathes of the pavement in need of work.

Gary Champion, Green Party councillor for Sewell Ward said the council's lack of communication was a poor oversight (Image: Gary Champion)

"Considering the county council is trying to bridge a £60m budget gap this is an example of wasted time and money due to poor oversight."

THE COUNCIL'S COMEBACK 

Norfolk County Council responded to the criticism saying: "Resurfacing work is highly weather dependent, so it's often necessary to give a window of several days for the resurfacing work to take place.

"We understand that people parking their car away from their home can be frustrating but it's important that they take steps to clear the road of vehicles, so the work can be completed.

"Where this isn't possible, we may have to finish the work at a later date, increasing disruption and leaving work incomplete."Norfolk County Council said it understands that people parking their car away from their home can be frustrating (Image: Jenny Knight)