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PRIVACY
Economic Development

Demand for action over 'abysmal' stretch of Cheltenham town centre

Cheltenham Civic Society has raised concerns about the sign-off of the resurfacing works on the Strand

Strand Surface Montage(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service / Cheltenham Civic Society)

Grave concerns have been voiced that an "abysmal" section of road resurfacing in Cheltenham High Street is damaging the spa town's standing.

Cheltenham Civic Society has highlighted worries regarding the procurement, oversight and approval of the resurfacing project on the Strand which was completed earlier this year.

The organisation states that exchanges with Gloucestershire County Council (GCC), following disclosure that the scheme cost £350,000, have revealed what they consider to be fundamental flaws in governance and accountability.

The Society cautions that taxpayers are bearing the cost for inferior workmanship, whilst the contractor avoids liability for corrective measures under warranty.

Cheltenham Civic Society chairman Andrew Booton said: "Despite clear evidence that the resurfacing has resulted in a far-from-satisfactory finish, GCC's response reveals a dismissive attitude.

"The same officer who designed, specified and oversaw the works also signed them off and authorised payment.

"Because he is satisfied, there is no intention to invoke the warranty to correct what the public can see is a shoddy job. This leaves the public purse exposed to long-term risks without any enforceable protection."

In correspondence addressed to MP Max Wilkinson, highways cabinet member Joe Harris and Councillor Izaac Tailford, the Public Realm cabinet member at Cheltenham Borough Council, the Civic Society outlines primary concerns which they describe as: