Crazy paving

Luke Hamer

15 May 2008

A SOLIHULL resident has accused the borough council of ignoring a growing crazy paving problem which is supposed to save tax payers' cash.
In a bid to slash its annual budget the council has hired a contractor to cover the borough's dodgy pavements with a temporary surface called Slurry Seal.
The mixture is poured onto damaged pavements and raked into place to extend its life without the need to completely re-tarmac the path - a measure which would cost huge amounts more money.
But Ken Tomlinson, of Church Hill Close, has blasted the technique as being a waste of money instead of a money saver.
"Our road was Slurry Sealed about six weeks ago but within just a few weeks the weeds were growing through the pavements," he told The Observer.
"I raised the issue with the head of pavements for the St Alphege area and they said it was fine, but there are hundreds of weeds coming through all over the place.
Mr Tomlinson added that the main reason the work had been carried out now was to stop weeds growing through during the spring and summer
"It hasn't even lasted a month," he said.
"The council may well be costcutting, but surely there have to be procedures in place to make sure things are value for money - which this certainly is not."
Ted Richards, cabinet member for transport, highways and infrastructure, hit back at the accusations and said the work completed had been a success.
He did however admit the council was slightly concerned about the weeds.
"Slurry Seal is a tried and tested treatment that allows us to extend the life of pavements for up to 10 years," he said.
"Because it is cost effective, we can afford to improve many more pavements across the borough than if we had to remove and replace the tarmac.
"There are some weeds growing around the edge of the area that has been treated on Church Hill Close - but these do not affect the integrity of the Slurry Seal. However, we have asked our contractor to carry out further weed treatment to improve the look of the area."

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