Nottinghamshire County Council leader Cllr Mick Barton writes his latest update for the community.
Cllr Barton writes:
Winning the War with the Roads
‘As you can all see, the roads are now improving massively. I have been out across the county to see first-hand the various repairs we are carrying out.
‘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. Cabinet members and I were given a demonstration of laying the asphalt, and I could not believe the results.
‘The mastic boiler is ideal for repairing potholes and carrying out larger repairs in a quick and efficient way. These repairs are faster to install, greener, and significantly less disruptive than conventional asphalt repairs. They are a must-have part of our toolkit for the ‘right first-time approach’ to repairs.
‘The mastic material is made up of old vehicle tyres and other materials, making the product pliable and long-lasting. The boilers are on the roads now, along with the eight hot-box teams, the two JCB Pothole Pros, 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 unlike anything seen before, where repairs will not be halted by bad weather. The crews will now continue working twelve months a year, so we do not have the same emergency situation as last year, with undrivable roads.
LGR (Local Government Reorganisation)
‘We received the government’s option for LGR, and they 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 the reasoning behind 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 decision, with Labour looking after Labour, on an asset-grabbing mission. There is no way this decision is the fair one for the county, and I will be seriously considering a judicial review. We submitted our plan while adhering exactly to the guidelines and legislation given to us. I will be working on this daily to find a solution.
‘I will keep you updated 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 that 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 at 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 our plans for the year ahead with you in my next column.
‘In the meantime, enjoy the weather and the children’s school holidays, which are about to start.’
Cllr Mick Barton, Leader Nottinghamshire County Council
