Decision details

A review of the 2021/22 Highway Winter Service activities and if required any proposed amendments.

Consideration was given to a report updating Members on the implementation of the revised policy for the winter gritting route network in the Borough during the winter of 21/22.

Members thanked officers for their hard work in what had been a long process to get to the stage the where officers were now able to put forward final recommendations for approval by the Committee in respect of the winter treatment network for 2022/23.

Councillor D Stockton proposed an amendment to the recommendations to include a further recommendation under paragraph 3.1 of the report as follows:-

‘The inclusion of Lacey Green, Wilmslow into the 2022/23 treated network’.  This amended was seconded, debated and a vote was taken in which the amendment was lost.

Councillor A Gage commented that the winter getting network should be expanded in order to safeguard against the potential for loss of life and he expressed his surprise that Coole Lane had not been included previously within the winter gritting network.  In addition he requested further reconsideration should be given by officers to those routes with tights bends which he felt were as important and should be treated with the same priority as those routes with inclines and declines.  The Chair responded that he was sure all Members would advocate expanding the gritting network, however any decision relating to this matter would form part of the budget setting process and therefore outside the remit of the Committee.

RESOLVED (Unanimously)

1.That the following amendments to the winter treatment network for implementation from the start of the 2022/23 winter season onwards be approved:

-       The inclusion of Coole Lane, Audlem into the treated network.

-       The inclusion of Brook Street, Macclesfield into the treated network.

2.That authority be delegated to the Director of Highways and Infrastructure in consultation with the Section 151 Officer to approve entering into funding agreements with Town and Parish Councils in relation to winter gritting ‘top up’ funded routes as described in paragraphs 7.19 to 7.21 and Appendix 2 of the report, to be implemented for the 2022/23 winter season.

3.That authority be delegated to the Director of Highways and Infrastructure to make minor operational changes to the Winter & Adverse Weather Policy, Adverse Weather Plan and roads included in the treated network, with any changes being subsequently reported to the Highways and Transport Committee.