Six to Fix - Better Roads and Footpaths: Tackle the backlog of repairs and stop the cycle of patching that doesn't last

11.10.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 23rd May 2009

After years of neglect from the Conservative County Council, it is time to tackle the backlog of repairs to Bedford Borough's roads and stop the cycle of patching that doesn't last

The Liberal Democrats' Manifesto for Bedford Borough has identified 'Six to Fix' for Bedford Borough. The Six to Fix priorities include Roads and Footpaths, where we must tackle the backlog of repairs and stop the cycle of patching that doesn't last.

The Conservative County Council left Bedford Borough's road and pavements in a crumbling, unacceptable state, and allowed a long backlog of repairs to build up. The Liberal Democrats have already secured an additional £1million for repairs in the unitary council's first budget to help tackle this backlog, and we know that further investment will be needed.

We want an end to the patching of our road and pavements that doesn't last, and see instead lasting, sustainable works to make roads safe for all road and path users. It is essential that road repairs are carried out on the basis of need and that certain roads, for example older or 'harder to repair' roads, are not neglected in favour of cheaper and easier streets.

In addition to improved road and path maintenance, we also want to see our streets made safer through improved street lighting. Broken street lights must be repaired swiftly as part of the effort to make sure all areas which need street lighting are safely lit.