Lead Member – Councillor Richard Marshall – Portfolio Holder for Highways and Regulatory Services

Report of Mark Barrow – Executive Director of Place

RESOLVED:

To note the formal closure of the highways depots at Hodnet and Bridgnorth.

To declare as surplus to Highways requirements the Bridgnorth and Hodnet depots; delegating authority to the Head of Property and Development to agree and complete repurposing, redevelopment or disposal of the assets as appropriate.

Councillor Dean Carroll - Portfolio Holder for Growth and Regeneration, presented the report on behalf of Councillor Richard Marshall – Portfolio Holder for Highways and Regulatory Services.  He reminded members of the background to the report, and that since the depots had been closed the service had been monitoring the performance metrics of the highways team across the county and on an area by area basis.  The analysis had concluded that there had not been any drop off in service compared to before the depots were closed and to other areas of the county.    

A local member questioned the nature of the performance measures used in reaching this conclusion and requested that the depots remain open to prevent a negative impact on those living in the east of the county.  Councillor Carroll reported that the Council’s maintenance contractor had made it clear that they would be able to deliver a better service from three depot locations, not five.  Both he and the Leader reiterated that it was not feasible to spend over £2m a year on facilities that were not needed in the face of financial pressures faced by the Council and the need to deliver the Shropshire Plan.   

RESOLVED:

To note the formal closure of the highways depots at Hodnet and Bridgnorth.

To declare as surplus to Highways requirements the Bridgnorth and Hodnet depots; delegating authority to the Head of Property and Development to agree and complete repurposing, redevelopment or disposal of the assets as appropriate.