COUNCIL CALLS HALT TO ANTI-SKID DISPUTE

The beginning of an end is in sight to the the long-running (and slow-stopping) dispute about an anti-skid surface on Bonnington Road.

Since January this year, Spurtle cycling correspondent Tim Smith has been badgering Clarence, officials, councillors and anyone else who will listen about the poorly laid surface on either side of the new puffin crossing outside Redbraes Park.

Developer Barratt's applied the surface as part of its public-realm contribution associated with construction of North Pilrig Heights. But within a year, the anti-skid began to come off in great chunks, which then turned to loose gravel under the action of vehicle wheels.

The road surface became lumpy and potentially unsafe for cyclists. Growing less effective at slowing cars, it has therefore become a danger to pedestrians as well.

For ages, Barratt's and the Council disputed who was responsible for remedial action, but in the last week Smith has been told that CEC has taken responsibility for this work as they accept that it is defects in the existing carriageway which have caused the dressing to perish.

Progress at last! Yes and no, and yes.

Financial constraints have delayed scheduling of non-emergency repairs like this. However, the job is a top priority for funding which has become available via the capital budget, and should it be approved at some unspecified date, will be addressed 'as soon as possible'.

Ah, me. Council schedules: like anti-skid surfaces – gossamer soft and insubstantial as fairy wings.