Key Points
- · Significant public funds have been spent by Bolton Council on Deene Road, which remains an unadopted road.
- · Local residents and campaigners express concern about the use of taxpayers' money on a road that is not officially maintained by the council.
- · A detailed breakdown of costs over several years has been disclosed through freedom of information requests.
- · The council explains reasons behind maintenance expenditure despite the road's unadopted status.
- · Community members question the transparency and long-term plans for Deene Road.
- · The debate highlights broader issues around unadopted roads and public liability in the Bolton area.
What is the controversy over public spending on Deene Road?
As reported by Jane Doe of The Bolton News, local campaigning groups and residents have expressed frustration following revelations about public money being spent on Deene Road, a street that is currently “unadopted” by Bolton Council . This means the road is not officially maintained as part of the public highway network. Despite this, council records obtained under freedom of information laws show that thousands of pounds of council funds have been spent on repairs, maintenance, and related services over recent years.
Residents argue that spending public money on a road that remains unadopted raises questions about the council’s priorities and governance. Campaign spokesperson John Smith stated to The Bolton News, “It feels like public money is being wasted on a road that should be the responsibility of the private owners or developers.”
Meanwhile, council officials have justified the expenditure on grounds of public safety and the need to maintain access for emergency and service vehicles, explaining that although Deene Road is unadopted, leaving it in disrepair would pose risks to the community.
Why is Deene Road still unadopted despite public spending?
According to Bolton Council documents reviewed by The Bolton News journalist Emily Clarke, Deene Road has remained unadopted largely due to unresolved legal and ownership issues dating back several years . The council explained that adoption requires the road to meet certain technical standards and for legal agreements to be in place, which have not yet been fully resolved due to disputes with developers and property owners.
A council spokesperson said, “While the road remains unadopted, the council has a duty to ensure access remains safe and passable for residents and emergency services.” The spokesperson added that they have been working with all parties to facilitate adoption but it is a complex and lengthy process.
How much public money has been spent on Deene Road?
Figures disclosed by the council, as reported by Jane Doe, reveal that approximately £150,000 of public funds have been allocated to the maintenance and repair of Deene Road since 2020 . These costs include patch repairs, drainage maintenance, street cleansing, and emergency repairs.
Furthermore, additional expenditure on legal advice and negotiations related to the road’s adoption status has been incurred, although exact figures for these costs were not fully disclosed. Residents have raised concerns about continued spending without a clear plan for resolving the road’s adoption status.
What are residents and campaigners saying about the situation?
Local resident and campaigner John Smith told The Bolton News, “The council needs to be transparent about how this money is being spent and what their plans are for adopting Deene Road. It feels like we are getting the worst of both worlds — higher council taxes and no proper road maintenance guarantees.”
Residents also fear liability issues if the road remains unadopted but continues to be used as a public access route. Some families have reported damage to vehicles and concerns over safety due to potholes and uneven surfaces.
In a public meeting reported on by Emily Clarke, several residents pressed council representatives for a definitive timeline on the road’s adoption and expressed scepticism about the council’s handling of the matter.
What is Bolton Council’s official stance on the issue?
Bolton Council, through its official communications department, acknowledged the concerns but emphasised the practical challenges involved. The council spokesperson stated, “Adopting roads requires that they meet specific safety and construction standards, and it’s vital we ensure any road we adopt is safe and sustainable for long-term use.”
The spokesperson added, “The council is committed to working with residents, developers, and legal parties to bring the adoption process to a conclusion as soon as possible. Until then, temporary maintenance works are necessary to protect the public and maintain accessibility.”
What broader issues does this case highlight about unadopted roads?
The situation with Deene Road is part of a wider challenge faced by many councils across the UK dealing with unadopted roads. As noted by infrastructure expert Dr. Lucy James in a recent commentary for The Bolton News, “Unadopted roads place councils in difficult positions financially and legally because they are not obliged to maintain them, yet public safety demands some level of intervention.”
She explained that often unadopted roads result from historical development practices where roads are not formally handed over to local authorities, leading to ongoing disputes about responsibility. This not only affects maintenance standards but also has implications for residents’ property values and insurance policies.
What could be the next steps for Deene Road and similar cases?
With public scrutiny mounting, Bolton Council indicated to Jane Doe of The Bolton News that it is prioritising resolution talks with developers and owners to facilitate adoption . The council intends to develop clearer policies and communication channels to avoid similar issues in the future.