A Report by the Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment set out the Directorate’s response to the matters raised regarding investment in Wirral’s highways infrastructure in the Notice of Motion to Council in July 2014 ( Minute 33 refers).A report had been bought to the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee on 22 September whereby the Committee had requested that a further report be presented to a future meeting of the Committee.

The Head of Environment and Regulation set out the report and reiterated to Members that the highway network is the Council’s most valuable asset. Members heard that the value of the replacement of the highway network is presently £1, 911 Billion.

The Report set out to Members recent investment and capital expenditure budgets for roads and footways. Members heard that Wirral compare favourably against nationally published data to other authorities in terms of overall condition of network.

Members heard how in Wirral there is a 90% repudiation rate. It was reported that Wirral adopt strong approaches and inspect networks on a regular basis and ensure work is carried out efficiently The Head of Environment and Regulation referred to an extract from the Council’s Maintenance Policy detailing Highway, Carriageway and Footway inspection and assessment policy.

Members were informed that the DfT had provided feedback on the Pothole Fund Application submitted by the Council and had advised that the Council’s application was ranked 60^th out of the 148 eligible. It was explained that elements of the bid were ranked higher than others, and the Council scored strongly ( ranked 43^rd) in its work on embracing the latest innovations through the national Highways Maintenance Efficiency Programme (HMEP).

The Head of Environment and Regulation informed Members that despite positive outcomes, Officers would not become complacent. The importance of long term strategic principles were stressed and Members heard how a long term programme is already underway with a Capital Bid for three years being proposed.

The Committee then viewed an explanatory video on ‘Durapatch’, described as an innovative product designed to remove pot holes and to seal the wider area, reducing further deterioration. The video had been filmed in Martins Lane, Wallasey an area that had trailed the new method.

Officers responded to questions from Members regarding the durability of the new product with reference to freezing conditions and cost effectiveness.

Members heard how the new treatment is expected to last between 10 and 15 years and in terms of life cycle costings, protecting the network in this manner would be a lot more cost effective. The Officer expressed his confidence that the repairs will last, even in freezing conditions Members then heard, how, In comparison to surface treatments, durapatch is around 1/8 of the cost, therefore, it has a large cost advantage.

A Member identified to Officers some poor treatment in Fountain Road whereby the work had not been completed up to the kerb.

A Highways Officer explained that there had been a need for drainage, therefore pot hole treatment could not be extended to the kerb.

A Member then raised concerns with utility companies causing damage to highways throughout the Borough. Some discussion was had regarding the possibility of Wirral becoming a Permitt Authority whereby the Authority could manage and charge utility companies. Members heard that a report would be bought to a future meeting of the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee.

The Liberal Democrat Spokesperson commended Officers for the report and video and commented that the history of the issue explained in the video had proved to be very interesting.

Resolved: That the Committee: –

(1)   endorse the contents of this report, and the good progress made by the service.

(2)   endorse the implementation of a long-term maintenance strategy  that is based on sound asset management principles and recognised best practice.

(3)   recommend to Cabinet that long-term maintenance strategies should form the basis for development of future structural maintenance programmes for highway infrastructure.