Group calls for resurfacing

The Bays Community Group has called for Phegans Bay Rd to be resurfaced in the next financial year and for potholes to repaired as soon as possible.

Group president Mr Bob Puffett said that road resurfacing should last between eight to 10 years depending on use.

"There are sections of Phegans Bay Rd that are ready for rehabilitation, that is, to be dug up, stabilised and resurfaced," he said.

Mr Puffet said that he had met with two senior Gosford Council officers in Phegans Bay late last year regarding the poor state of Phegans Bay Rd.

Mr Puffett said the council officers inspected the road and discussed what needed to be done.

"At this stage these works are a high priority for funding in the 2012-13 year.

"I requested yet again that our roads be placed on future major works program and that some urgent pothole rectification work be done as soon as possible."

The council officers advised that routine maintenance inspections were undertaken three times a year in accordance with Council's Area Maintenance Program.

This program ensured all roads in the Gosford LGA were regularly assessed and allowed maintenance action to be prioritized on a network wide risk basis, he said.

"It was noted that the most recent maintenance action on Phegans Bay Rd occurred in September last year and involved extensive pothole patching," Mr Puffett said.

The council officers also advised that reactive maintenance was undertaken in response to issues raised by Council staff and local residents.

Mr Puffett said the inspection also revealed a number of new and recurrent potholes requiring maintenance attention in Phegans Bay Road.

He said that the road was "condition rated" every two years to assess rehabilitation and resurfacing needs.

The meeting occurred following a letter to mayor Cr Laurie Maher from the community group about the condition of the road.

Newsletter, 23 Jan 2012 Bob Puffett, Bays Community Group