Essential street works on Browning Avenue in Siddal will be discussed by Calderdale Council’s Cabinet on Monday 16 November 2015.
The highway improvements are necessary because the road, which is unadopted and so is not maintained by the Council, is in a very poor condition. The proposed street works will improve the paving, lighting and appearance of the road between the junctions of Oxford Lane / Browning Avenue and Browning Avenue / Siddal Lane.
The cost of improvements to the highway at Browning Avenue is estimated at £110,000. Homeowners and businesses along the road are being asked to contribute financially to the scheme so that this is shared between those with property along the route and the Council.
Neglected private roads can cause problems for residents and local businesses. Uneven pavements can lead to trips and falls, particularly for those who have mobility problems, and can also make it difficult to use wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Patchy and rutted road surfaces can cause damage to cars, especially tyres.
Council services such as recycling and waste collections and home care may also be affected and the emergency services may find access difficult.
In the longer term neglected private roads can create such a poor impression of a neighbourhood that house prices are reduced and homes become more difficult to sell or let.
Cllr Barry Collins, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development said:
“These proposals will provide a much needed improvement scheme for a road which is in a very poor state and which is causing real problems for the community.
“The repair and maintenance of unadopted roads is always difficult because it can be costly and the responsibility lies with those who own property on the street. In most circumstances we are unable to provide a contribution to the cost, however on this occasion we are able to use the remaining money from a specific capital grant which has helped to make the scheme viable .By sharing out the costs combined with funding from the Council, we hope to develop a scheme which will provide significant improvements to the area.
“We’re now consulting with local communities in Siddal about the proposals.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet has already approved the Council’s share of estimated cost of the proposed improvement scheme. The Cabinet will be asked to recommend to Council that its powers are used to ensure the works take place.
The Cabinet meeting will be held at 6pm on Monday 16 November 2015 at Halifax Town Hall.