Pavement Survey results and next steps

The following statements and summaries are supported by the data extracted from the Yarnfield and Cold Meece pavement survey commissioned and carried out by the Parish Council.
The over whelming number of respondents were affected by the condition of pavements around the Parish.

The details of the survey responses can be found at:

YCM-PC Pavement Survey result

 Main areas of concern

• Yarnfield Lane
• Highlows Lane
• Greenside
• Meadow view
• Meece Road

Main problems

• Tripping and falling due to unevenness of pavements.
• Difficulties in using wheelchairs and mobility scooters, or assisting a disabled person.

Impact 

• Anxiety about using the pavements resulting in isolation and loss of independence.
• Increased car usage due to lack of “safe” routes.
• Requirements identified
• Repair / replacement of problem surfaces.
• The need for dropped kerbs.
• The need to maintain clear pavements – removal of weeds, overgrowth cutting back and the need to address parking of cars on pavements.

Desires

• Alterations to the narrow pavement on Yarnfield Lane, improving the surface angles and considerations of safety due to narrowness of the pavement.
• Creation of a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists between Yarnfield and Cold Meece, and possibly Yarnfield and Stone.

Parish Council Response

• Identification of responsible parties and establishment of dialogue about areas raised by survey.
• Work in conjunction with the County Council on a programme of pavement repairs / replacement. Define a programme of works over next 2 to 4 years.
• Identify areas of blocked / obstructed pavements and determine a standard response to property / car owners to have obstacles removed.
• Identify crossing points that need dropped kerbs put in place to create safe crossing zones.

Question raised following the survey

• Can the responses be interrogated to identify actual problem sites, or can we contact respondents to get precise location identified?
• Need to better understand the driver for Staffordshire County Council undertaking repairs: Safety v Aesthetics and the need for preventative work to avoid future major structural work.

Next steps

At their meeting in September the parish council acknowledged the work being done to repair the worst of the pavements in the parish as a good first step. Regular inspections and maintenance, including repairs and sealcoating, ensure that pavements remain both safe and visually appealing for years to come.

Everyone can help with this important work by reporting damaged pavements. Reporting issues is quick and simple using the Staffordshire County Council’s “Report it” website:

https://formshighways.staffordshire.gov.uk/