Winning the war with the roads

We have taken delivery of two new mastic boilers.  I knew we had to purchase the boilers following our visit to Roadmender in Rotherham a few months ago.  I, along with cabinet members, were given a demonstration on laying the asphalt, and I could not believe the results. The mastic boiler is ideal for repairing potholes and larger repairs in a quick, efficient way.  These repairs are faster to install, greener and are significantly less disruptive than conventional asphalt repairs.  A must have part of our toolkit for the ‘right first-time approach’ repairs. 

The mastic material is made up of old vehicle tyres and other materials to make the product pliable and long lasting.  The boilers are on the roads now, along with the eight hot box teams, the two JCB Pothole Pro’s and further resurfacing gangs.  They are out in every part of the county ensuring roads are improving across the county.

We are looking to deliver a winter masterplan that has not been seen before, where repairs will not be halted for bad weather. The crews will now continue working twelve months a year, so we do not have the same emergency situation of last year, with undrivable roads.

 LGR (Local Government Reorganisation)

We received the government’s option for LGR, who have gone with the Labour-run City Council proposal.  To say I am disappointed with their decision is an understatement. 

I will not be taking this lying down, I can assure you.  I am currently waiting for the Secretary of State to write to me to confirm the decision and their reasoning for it. When that happens, I will decide our stance and our next move.  I do not believe this decision has been taken fairly and objectively.  I think this is a rushed, Labour looking after Labour decision, on an asset grabbing mission.  No way is this decision the fair one for the county and I will be seriously looking at a judicial review.  We put in our plan by sticking exactly to the guidelines and legislation given to us.  I will be working on this daily to find a solution.

I will get back to you on progress in my columns and on social media.

Out in the Community

I have mentioned before that my Cabinet and I hold bi-monthly meetings out in the community.  It would be lovely to hear from any businesses who would like us to come along, have a tour of your premises and understand what you do.  If we can assist in any way or offer support, we will.  If you would like us to come along, please contact me on cllr.mick.barton@nottscc.gov.uk.

I held a cabinet away day last week, where the cabinet and I looked at the year ahead and all we want to achieve. I look forward to sharing the year ahead with you in my next column.

In the meantime, enjoy the weather and the children’s holidays from school that are about to start.

Take care,

Mick