Here’s the latest road report for next week. roadworks-14-june-08.pdf (click to view).

As you’ll see the Consett bypass overbridge is still being painted. Perhaps of more interest to most people, work on Newmarket Street will result in temporary traffic lights and therefore some delays.

Here is the Roadworks report for week commencing May 31st 2008. It’s remarkably similar to the one I posted last week so I have emailed the relevant department to check the reliability of the information.

Roadworks wc May 31st 2008

Has anyone seen any painting going on on the bridges over the Consett by-pass? It’s been on each report I’ve received so far.

I mentioned that a number of potholes had been repaired following my representations, and I’m pleased to report some further repairs in that department.

Unfortunately a rather nasty fall suffered by one resident prompted them to get in touch with me about one hole which I measured at 8 cms deep. It was a powerful reminder that it isn’t just damge to vehicles which can be caused.

Another resident got in touch to point out holes in his own access road and to remind me, quite rightly, that damage will occur to vehicles in “back-streets” as well as “front-streets”.  The worst of those holes have now been scheduled for repair.

I am pleased to be getting these reports, however. Local people taking a hand in these things can improve our district much more quickly tham relying on the regular inspections carried out by the Highways Department. Whilst they inspect main roads very regualrly, little used roads and side-streets may ony get a visit a year., if that. So thank you to those who have got in touch with me, and those of you who have gone direct to the Highways Action line on 0191 3706000 or used the contact form at http://www.durham.gov.uk/feedback.nsf/Highways+Fault+Report

The worst thing about my election from a personal point of view, however, has been the way it’s affected my vision of the world. Much of the week on Arran I have been locating pot-holes there instead of lifting my eyes to the hills. I’m hoping that broader vision will return in due course!

Roadworks w/c May 24th Click the blue link to the left to see the latest set of roadworks in Derwentside.

In Consett North ward it will be particularly of interest to people in The Crescent, (Consett) and Pemberton Road and Church Road (Blackhill).

The traffic lights on the centre of Consett were fixed today so now both pedestrians and traffix are flowing smoothly. Well done the County Council for resolving the problem so quickly.

It’s a quiet Sunday morning in Consett and as you can see, not much traffic at the Medomsley Road/Station Roads lights. The lights have turned to amber and we know what to expect next.

 As most residents of Consett know (and bank on), if the pedestrian lights have been operated by pressing the button, after the red light in this direction, the green man follows to allow pedestrians across.

But not today.   

Today the WAIT sign is permanently lit, and the lights never allow the pedestrians across. This is pretty dangerous because many people who know the sequence actually set off (including diagonally) before the pedestrian light turns green. They could therefore be at risk. It also means that everyone on foot is forced to dash across or find themselves stranded on the wrong side of the road.

I have asked the Highways Action line for rapid action.

For information about roads affected by repairs and maintenance in the next seven days just click this link. roadworks-17-may-08.pdf

 I should get this report each week. Please let me know if you find it useful.

It’s customary for new employees to be judged on their first 100 days. I’ve decided on a different target for my new role as county councillor - it’s the first 100 potholes.

This particularly fine example is by the island to cross Villa Real Road, quite close to the Number One roundabout. This is an extremely busy road, and with the roadway narrowing at this point it’s a real hazard to cyclists. I have emailed it (along with eight others in Gladstone Street, Romany Drive and Spencer Street) to the Highways Action Line. Obviously they won’t get the email till Tuesday, so we’ll start the countdown then.

If you want to email me your favourite (!) pothole please give me the precisest possible details and, if possible, a digital photo. There’s only one rule - for the moment I will exclude “back-streets”. It’s not that they don’t matter - clearly they do - but until we’ve got front streets up to first world standards I am going to give them priority.

This is the second railing in a month that I have seen in Consett where the bolt is missing and the railing therefore dangerously loose.

The last one was outside Boyes store opposite the Library. This one is outside the former Lloyds TSB on the corner of Sherburn Terrace and Station Road.

I don’t know what has caused it, but I certainly hope for a quicker response this time. I reported the last one to the Highways Action Line ( http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/usp.nsf/pws/8025694D002ACDA4802571C300433915?opendocument ) but got no feedback and the railing was lying in the gutter a week later.

I reported this new one today and will let you know what happens this time. I’d appreciate anyone letting me know what their own experience has been of the Highways Action Line. My first experience was excellent, the second not. I’d like to build up the picture.