Thursday, 19 July 2007

Success on the surface...

Before

After

Earlier this year I asked Highways if the potholes in Chalk Road South could be filled, not expecting action soon. I was delighted when the road was patched quite quickly, with a promise to dress the surface in the summer, resources permitting. Today the work was done, so that's another happy story to tell the doom-and-gloom merchants.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Paul - who exactly are the 'doom-and-gloom merchants' in respect of Chalk Road South?

Tomorrow, I have to go to the West Suffolk Hospital for yet more tests. The quickest route for me includes Chalk Road South. It better not be 'sticky' or you will get some doom-and-gloom from me.

Councillor Paul Farmer said...

You know who the doom-and-gloom merchants are David: those who knock SEBC in general. Unlike some I like to celebrate success.

I too hate the molten tar often uncovered by this process. When I lived in Chislehurst, Kent I telephoned my local councillor to complain about it. It's a funny old world.

If you're really worried there is a pavement according to my photos. Anyway, won't you have more liquid falling from the sky than seeping from the ground?

Good luck with the tests...

Anonymous said...

Paul - if it is raining heavily I will book A1 Cars, whose phone number is similar to yours.

I'm a bit disappointed to learn that their isn't a Chalk Road South Action Committee with a burning issue which has not yet reached the wider community. I see now you were speaking generally.

'Celebrating Success' is Councilspeak. Are you an Officer now? I used to be until I saw the light.

There must be a reason why I don't use the pavement in Chalk Road South. I will investigate.

I didn't know you once lived in Chislehurst. For a couple of years in the early 50's we lived in Crystal Palace Park Road and I went to school in Penge.

Councillor Paul Farmer said...

Chalk Road South has had a number of issues over the years, such as the cinema and parking.

I first addressed the latter in 2003 by getting the council to let residents use the annexe; then by arranging access to a dedicated area of the adjacent surface car park, with barrier; and more recently by providing access to the Victoria Street resident's parking scheme.

I am grateful that these matters have been brought to my attention by some active and articulate residents, and although we arranged a petition for the annexe, no association has yet been formed.

I shall respond to your other more personal points privately.

Anonymous said...

Paul - while the pavement in the foreground is fairly wide, it narrows considerably after the junction and it is easier to walk in the road thereafter. Today there was a car parked with two wheels on the pavement and this prevented anyone from walking along it.

Councillor Paul Farmer said...

Somebody seems to be managing OK in my first picture.

Trust you reported the car to the police, who rapidly acted. I said parking was a problem.

Anonymous said...

Paul - it was raining today and I had my umbrella up which hit the first lamp post and forced me into the road.

No, I'm not a copper's nark. Bet you are.

Hoffy said...

Paul - Not wishing to rain on your parade, but at the SCC Budget Road show late last year, Mrs. Stemp from the bungalow behind the cinema spoke to me about the road, and I in turn spoke personally to Cllr. Guy McGregor - Portfolio Holder for Roads and Transport at SCC. Together we organised the re-surfacing of this road for Mrs. Stemp. Shall we [you and I] claim 50/50 credit for this then?

Anonymous said...

Shouldn't Guy McGregor get 33% of the credit? And what about Mrs Stemp? She started the ball rolling so is entitled to 25%.

Then there is the workers who actually laid the new surface, the person who raised the docket, the officer who commissioned the contact, the people who manufactured the materials, those who hewed the rock in the first place, and finally, Mother Earth, who gave up her riches so that Chalk Road (South) Bury St Edmunds could be renewed.

Apologies to anyone I have missed.

Councillor Paul Farmer said...

I was concerned to see your comment Paul and checked with Highways first thing this morning.

I can only say that their recollection of events seems very much closer to my version than yours, and if you want to comment on this I suggest you do so outside the confines of this blog.

What matters is that the job got done, and in my experience of road dressing, better than some: witness the last Nowton Road experience (Southgate ward).

David - hahaha - very clever. What about thanking the heavens for not opening during the operation?

Picklesmum said...

CHILDREN!!! Stop it. Naughty step anyone???

Councillor Paul Farmer said...

Sorry I have not published your last two responses Paul. I did ask you to keep it out of the blog.

Let's just disagree!

Councillor Paul Farmer said...

Sorry David. Equally I suggest you make your point to PM, however calmly, via her blog.

Anonymous said...

Paul - I would if I could remember it.