Archived decisions

Contact: Chris Lait, tel: 01329 824485

1. Summary

1.1 This report brings Members up to date on the organisation, programme of works and budgets for Hampshire Highways, Fareham.

2. Organisation

2.1 On 1 May 2002 23 staff transferred from Fareham, Gosport and Havant Borough Councils to form the nucleus of Hampshire Highways South, which has an organisational structure of 35. Members may recall that within the Fareham office, which has an establishment of 16 highway management staff and two street lighting engineers, there were five vacancies.

2.2 After a successful recruitment campaign the total establishment in the south is now fully staffed. There are still some adjustments required with regard to street lighting staff.

2.3 The office organisation still needs to be finalised, with minor changes to layout to accommodate further IT requirements. One important element that still needs to be finalised is the GIS links to Winchester.

3. Programme and Budgets

3.1 The Revenue Budget for routine maintenance (£500,000) is on profile for spend with only minor budget amendments required, specifically with regard to hazard clearance.

3.2 With regard to the capital budget for both principal and non-principal roads the routine structural repairs are on target. Surface dressing works have been completed. However, the special maintenance and resurfacing programmes are behind schedule, which is due to a lack of staff resources in the early months. No difficulties are anticipated in completing the programme now staff are in place.

3.3 A budget statement is provided in Appendix 1 and the revised special maintenance programme in Appendix 2.

3.4 Vehicle crossings continue to be ordered by residents at a reasonable level. To date approximately 200 have been constructed this year.

4. Street Lighting - Community Safety Initiative

4.1 The 2002/03 programme has been undertaken as soon as possible to try to ensure works are completed prior to the dark evenings commencing. Works have been completed in:

(i) Hammond Road/Glenesha Gardens - footpath;

(ii) Church Street/Church Path - footpath;

(iii) Western Road;

(iv) Harrison Road/William Price Gardens - footpath;

(v) Highfield Avenue;

(vi) Bridge Industries; and

(vii) Davis Way.

Difficulties have arisen with regard to two installations. After consultation with residents the light for Beaumont Rise has been cancelled, due to siting difficulties. In Laburnum Road a new light has been installed but unfortunately needs to be moved. Information is awaited from the utilities and works will be completed before the end of November.

Recommendation

That the report be noted.

7395/CL