To highlight and agree the need for additional investment in improvement in county road conditions, and to delegate the approval of the detailed case and programme for such investment to officers.

Members considered the report of the Head of Highways and Community Services, which highlighted the need for additional investment in improvement in county road conditions, and requested delegating the approval of the detailed case and programme for such investment to officers.  The report identified the various options for investment over a twenty-year time period. During the ensuing discussion, the following key points were made:

·         Members welcomed the proposals, stating that there was a need to achieve a programme of long-term investment with reduced maintenance costs.  It was important to produce a detailed business case to ensure the correct strategic approach.

·         In response to a question, the Head of Highways and Community Services confirmed that the contract modelling would take account of the assessment of carriageway and drainage conditions.  The contract would seek to address the underlying problems of road condition, rather than just providing temporary solutions such as pothole-filling. 

·         As part of the scheme of improvements, the contractor would meet with parish councils in the autumn of 2013, to encourage engagement in the Lengthsman scheme.  There would also be a seminar for Herefordshire Councillors.

RESOLVED:   THAT

(a)       the Director for Places and Communities (in consultation with the Chief Officer Finance and Commercial), be authorised to develop the detailed business case for investment in improvement in road conditions.

(b)       the detailed business case and associated programme of works shall be developed to enable works to commence from the spring of 2014; and

(c)     the Director for Places and Communities be authorised subject to the Chief Officer Finance and Commercial being satisfied that that the business case for investment represents value for money, to proceed with the delivery of the programme of works to improve the condition of roads in accordance with the key performance parameters established in the detailed business case.