Holes, more holes and craters: this describes many roads in Haverhill.
If £1 million has been set aside for the roads in Haverhill, why are so many still in need of repair? When will the work be completed?
I would like to put the record straight. To share with the readers the 2008/2009 revenue budget monitoring state
ment December 31, 2008 records which is produced by Suffolk County Council.
Areas of underspend for 2008/2009 include £1 million on adult care services – yet despite this the Conservative-run council is determined to push up charges for home care; £2.2 million on environment and transport – despite an obvious lack of maintenance on roads, Haverhill in particular; £430,000 on bus transport, despite bus services being cut back for lack of finance; £780,000 on waste disposal, due to the high level of recycling in Suffolk.
The money is there, and so many things desperately need doing – but the Conservatives would prefer to squirrel it away in reserves.
I have no doubt that monies have been provided to fill holes; many could be described as craters. The £1 million that Cllr Marks assures us will be spent (watch this space), the Labour Group will be seeking some clarity on whether it has come from the reserve of £2.2 million or this year’s budget.
Of course you have to have monies in reserve; there is no question that it is what the electorate expects from responsible councillors and politicians. However, the figures shared have been put into a reserve of £74 million.
We pay our taxes to provide good services in all aspects of our needs in our communities. This is not the time to cut services, which impacts on employment and economic prosperity.
I have been asked the question, if vehicles are damaged by the bad road surfaces who is responsible? I would suggest you contact your insurance companies, and let your local councillor know of any such claims for us to monitor the situation.
Maureen Byrne,
Haverhill town councillor and leader of the Labour group.
