Buckingham Town Council has been working with Buckinghamshire County Council to cut down on wait times for road and footpath repairs in Buckingham.
Under a new devolved pilot scheme, Buckingham was chosen as one of five town and parish councils who have been given permission and funding to tackle issues such as potholes on minor roads directly. Under the agreement, Buckingham Town Council had enough funding to repair 140 defects in local roads and paths in Buckingham with a speed limit of 30mph or less. Following a review of complaints and a survey by Town Councillors, each defect was identified as one that could be significantly improved with small repairs. This has included 136 potholes, relaying slabs and creating new footpath drain channels.
While some roads could not be worked on as they are in need of total resurfacing, these small repairs are important to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe and protect vehicles from pothole damage.
The works would not have taken place without this scheme, so the Town Council has been able to provide improvements in partnership with the County Council for the first time.
Buckingham Town Councillor Ruth Newell, chair of the Environment Committee that agreed the work said Buckingham Town Councillor Ruth Newell, chair of the Environment Committee that agreed the work said “I am so glad that we were able to take part in this scheme, that I fully supported as we were able to focus the repairs on the defective roads and paths that were important to Buckingham people …”
Mark Shaw, Buckinghamshire County Council Deputy Leader and Transport Cabinet Member said: “Town and parish councils have their feet firmly on the ground and can react quickly to local highways needs, which makes the partnership between Buckingham Town Council and the County Council of enormous benefit to residents and businesses in the town.”