Showing posts with label setts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label setts. Show all posts
Sunday, 3 April 2011
Progress on Ulverston's main street procedes at less than a snail's pace
It's now a fortnight since we requested a meeting with our county councillor James Airey.
Progress on the work down Market street in the last fortnight has been extremely slow.
At this rate of progress, the work will not be completed by April 29th the day the Flag Festival is due to start which features this very street.
Of the festivals in the town, this is the one that our traders feel brings the most benefit to the town; others certainly have an impact but for the most part result in little trade and in the case of the Dickensian Festival can cause considerable disruption to shop trade.
Many of the traders are deeply upset with the casual approach by Amey towards getting the work done quickly and the apparent lack of concern from the County Highways Department.
Questions are being asked as to how this contract was set up and whether there is a penalty clause in Amey's contract for overrunning.
Was even a completion date agreed?
The traders want answers and their politicians to take action.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Value for money
What do people think of the way our £100,000 are being spent in repairing the cobbles on Market Street?
On the positive side :
1. The quality of work is high.
2. They are using recommended materials and as far as I'm aware the good procedures similar to those used by Preston Council when they repair setts.
This includes the use of "Ulracrete Flowpoint" - recommended by Preston.
3. They have started further up Market Street than I expected , thus catching some severe depressins that attracted polls of water and hnce deterioration.
On the down side:
1. Work is going very slowly
2. Some shopkeepers who work hard and hence have a thriving/good business, are not impressed with the poor work ethic -starting work late, leaving early - standing around in groups for what appear long times chatting.
This is our chance to see the workings of local government at close quatres - you can even sit, have a coffee and watch the action outside!
It's a time when The County Council can impress us or still leave a nasty taste in our mouths.
A chance for IT Shaw our local firm working with Amey to impress us with the standard and speed of their work.
As you might expect - and you might like to warn them - I'm filming them from time to time and will be putting the result on Youtube so that these firms can attract further contracts - or otherwise. If you keep close tabs on the work you can judge for yourself whether my future comments are appropriate.
Lastly, its a chance for James Airey and Peter Hornby our two County Councillors to show that they are 'on the ball' and well aware of what is happening giving praise and critism where appropriate.
On the positive side :
1. The quality of work is high.
2. They are using recommended materials and as far as I'm aware the good procedures similar to those used by Preston Council when they repair setts.
This includes the use of "Ulracrete Flowpoint" - recommended by Preston.
3. They have started further up Market Street than I expected , thus catching some severe depressins that attracted polls of water and hnce deterioration.
On the down side:
1. Work is going very slowly
2. Some shopkeepers who work hard and hence have a thriving/good business, are not impressed with the poor work ethic -starting work late, leaving early - standing around in groups for what appear long times chatting.
This is our chance to see the workings of local government at close quatres - you can even sit, have a coffee and watch the action outside!
It's a time when The County Council can impress us or still leave a nasty taste in our mouths.
A chance for IT Shaw our local firm working with Amey to impress us with the standard and speed of their work.
As you might expect - and you might like to warn them - I'm filming them from time to time and will be putting the result on Youtube so that these firms can attract further contracts - or otherwise. If you keep close tabs on the work you can judge for yourself whether my future comments are appropriate.
Lastly, its a chance for James Airey and Peter Hornby our two County Councillors to show that they are 'on the ball' and well aware of what is happening giving praise and critism where appropriate.
Friday, 28 January 2011
Repairs of the cobbles in Ulverston
It's been announced that work will begin on repairing the cobbles in Market Street this next Monday in what is called a £100,000 revamp.
But will we be happy with the result?
I doubt it - rather it will be regarded as an opportunity missed as large sections of the street will be left untouched and only part of the problem dealt with.
Furthermore we will be apprehensive about the quality of the work done and the materials used.
I went out this morning and made this video to give past information on this topic.
Last year I briefed County Cllr James Airey on my views of what should be done.
The information I gave was based on the numerous communications I've had with United Utilities, the Highways Department of CCC and information shared by the engineers at Preston as to how they repair and install cobbles (or Setts) in their city. Both United Utilities and the People at Preston have been most helpful.
I'm having a meeting with James Airey this next Tuesday as previous attempts to get together have failed.
I hope to be able to report back on what and how the work is to be carried out. I shall be watching with great interest!
Here is the helpful information I was sent from Preston in 2008 (which was passed on the James Airey).
Preston clearly take great care in supervising the work done by contractors.
Will CCC show the same degree of dilegence?
Their supervision of the work done by contractors in the past has been appalling. With a change at the top of the local department of highways and close monitoring from our new councillors - will we achieve quality work and value for money? . . . .
I hope that CCC will enforce high standards and be using Ultracrete Flowpoint to seal between the cobbles as recommended below:
From: "Ohanlon, Peter"
Sent: Wednesday, 8 October, 2008 13:35:08
Subject: Reinstatement of setts
Reinstatement of setts.
Dear Mr. Dellow,
Your e-mail was finally sent to me as I deal with all the utility reinstatements in the Preston area.
Appearances in Preston may be deceptive, because it is a constant battle with the utilities to achieve a satisfactory standard to sett reinstatements after excavations. It is obvious that the utilities do not have street masons trained to a sufficient degree to reinstate setts correctly. It is therefore a matter of constant supervision of the method used by the reinstators to ensure:
a) that they are aware of the correct method of reconstruction
b) that they follow the existing bonding / pattern as required
c) that they use the correct type of sett (size, colour, material )
d) that they follow the correct method of pointing the setts with the correct colour of ultracrete flowpoint.
In many cases, if we have not been present to ensure the required standard is adhered to, the setts have to be broken out and relaid in the correct manner. This is repeated until the setts are satisfactory. Very rarely are they satisfactory in the first instance.
The most recent setts reinstatement that I have dealt with was a utility trench 60m. long x 1.5m. wide. Despite my efforts to explain how to relay this trench I had to insist on it being re-laid four times until it was satisfactory. This was over a period of 6 months but the end result was worth the perseverance. Eventually the sub – contractor employed two operatives who were experienced in laying setts and with supervision and explanation they were able to finally achieve a satisfactory result. They were also given the time to do the work correctly; being paid on ‘day rate’ rather than on a price per m2. ( As were the the previous operatives ). Laying setts is a time consuming operation which cannot be rushed if a good result is required. Too often the reinstator / sub-contractor allows unqualified and inexperienced operatives to try to relay the setts hoping that their work will be satisfactory enough for them to “ get away with it “.
But will we be happy with the result?
I doubt it - rather it will be regarded as an opportunity missed as large sections of the street will be left untouched and only part of the problem dealt with.
Furthermore we will be apprehensive about the quality of the work done and the materials used.
I went out this morning and made this video to give past information on this topic.
Last year I briefed County Cllr James Airey on my views of what should be done.
The information I gave was based on the numerous communications I've had with United Utilities, the Highways Department of CCC and information shared by the engineers at Preston as to how they repair and install cobbles (or Setts) in their city. Both United Utilities and the People at Preston have been most helpful.
I'm having a meeting with James Airey this next Tuesday as previous attempts to get together have failed.
I hope to be able to report back on what and how the work is to be carried out. I shall be watching with great interest!
Here is the helpful information I was sent from Preston in 2008 (which was passed on the James Airey).
Preston clearly take great care in supervising the work done by contractors.
Will CCC show the same degree of dilegence?
Their supervision of the work done by contractors in the past has been appalling. With a change at the top of the local department of highways and close monitoring from our new councillors - will we achieve quality work and value for money? . . . .
I hope that CCC will enforce high standards and be using Ultracrete Flowpoint to seal between the cobbles as recommended below:
From: "Ohanlon, Peter"
Sent: Wednesday, 8 October, 2008 13:35:08
Subject: Reinstatement of setts
Reinstatement of setts.
Dear Mr. Dellow,
Your e-mail was finally sent to me as I deal with all the utility reinstatements in the Preston area.
Appearances in Preston may be deceptive, because it is a constant battle with the utilities to achieve a satisfactory standard to sett reinstatements after excavations. It is obvious that the utilities do not have street masons trained to a sufficient degree to reinstate setts correctly. It is therefore a matter of constant supervision of the method used by the reinstators to ensure:
a) that they are aware of the correct method of reconstruction
b) that they follow the existing bonding / pattern as required
c) that they use the correct type of sett (size, colour, material )
d) that they follow the correct method of pointing the setts with the correct colour of ultracrete flowpoint.
In many cases, if we have not been present to ensure the required standard is adhered to, the setts have to be broken out and relaid in the correct manner. This is repeated until the setts are satisfactory. Very rarely are they satisfactory in the first instance.
The most recent setts reinstatement that I have dealt with was a utility trench 60m. long x 1.5m. wide. Despite my efforts to explain how to relay this trench I had to insist on it being re-laid four times until it was satisfactory. This was over a period of 6 months but the end result was worth the perseverance. Eventually the sub – contractor employed two operatives who were experienced in laying setts and with supervision and explanation they were able to finally achieve a satisfactory result. They were also given the time to do the work correctly; being paid on ‘day rate’ rather than on a price per m2. ( As were the the previous operatives ). Laying setts is a time consuming operation which cannot be rushed if a good result is required. Too often the reinstator / sub-contractor allows unqualified and inexperienced operatives to try to relay the setts hoping that their work will be satisfactory enough for them to “ get away with it “.
Technically we use the LCC Standard Details for Highway Works for the laying of setts. This involves using 100 – 150mm of lean mix concrete then a 25mm. layer of sand/cement mortar. One innovation that has been introduced is that we require the joints to be filled for at least a 50mm. depth, from the top of the sett, with a product called Ultracrete Flowpoint. This is a pre-mixed dry grout that only requires the addition of water on site.. This can then be poured neatly into the joints. It is a rapid setting grout that allows for early trafficking of the road, has exceptional bond strength and has built-in shrinkage compensation. It also dispenses with the need of using a bitumen sealant to the surface of the joints. We now specify the use of Flowpoint on all sett paving in Preston .
I hope this information is of use to you and if I can be of any further help or if you have any further queries please contact me by e-mail.
Regards,
Peter O’Hanlon
Senior Technician
Street Works
LCC. Preston Area
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Stan Laurel's influence?
There's something in our water.
It set Stan off on his humourous life - even though he only got a few sips in the eight weeks he was here.(I'm wrong - he was drinking it by the gallon until he was six I understand)
Incredible though it may seem:
The workmen repairing the setts in The Gill, Ulverston, were told last Friday to 'rip there own work up' (to use Evening Mail headline speak) and do it again.
Not that they have done poor work - it was excellent - but because the County Council have now decided to do the whole lot and not just do patches.
This was something that definitely needed doing and my statement, that I would be repairing future damage straight away - and not waiting a whole year as I did this last time, may have influenced them (? - Highly unlikely but you never know).
So this morning when I talked to the workers they were fed up at the thought of digging their work up in order to achieve a uniform and attractive result.
They are starting at one end and working all the way along to reset all the setts.
The Council must be congratulated for making this brave decision.
It set Stan off on his humourous life - even though he only got a few sips in the eight weeks he was here.(I'm wrong - he was drinking it by the gallon until he was six I understand)
Incredible though it may seem:
The workmen repairing the setts in The Gill, Ulverston, were told last Friday to 'rip there own work up' (to use Evening Mail headline speak) and do it again.
Not that they have done poor work - it was excellent - but because the County Council have now decided to do the whole lot and not just do patches.
This was something that definitely needed doing and my statement, that I would be repairing future damage straight away - and not waiting a whole year as I did this last time, may have influenced them (? - Highly unlikely but you never know).
So this morning when I talked to the workers they were fed up at the thought of digging their work up in order to achieve a uniform and attractive result.
They are starting at one end and working all the way along to reset all the setts.
The Council must be congratulated for making this brave decision.
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
The state of the Setts on Market Street below the Market Cross
Even more serious, because of their location, are the setts or cobbles on Market Street just below the Cross at the junction with New Market Street.
Having roads so obviously in need of repair reflects badly on the town as a Tourist destination.
As is obvious , the holes are massive and completely beyond the limits the Highways department set themselves for immediate overnight repair. Yet they remain for months at a time so that a frustrated public just cope.
No that's not true some people with disabilities have stopped coping - they stay away from the town centre for fear of being injured.
One can sympathise and feel that if we care the only solution is to repair these setts ourselves.
Something I'm on the verge of tackling myself - and I don't think it would be too difficult to do a reasonable job in four hours to do the whole of the Market Square and make it safe and acceptable.
Having roads so obviously in need of repair reflects badly on the town as a Tourist destination.
As is obvious , the holes are massive and completely beyond the limits the Highways department set themselves for immediate overnight repair. Yet they remain for months at a time so that a frustrated public just cope.
No that's not true some people with disabilities have stopped coping - they stay away from the town centre for fear of being injured.
One can sympathise and feel that if we care the only solution is to repair these setts ourselves.
Something I'm on the verge of tackling myself - and I don't think it would be too difficult to do a reasonable job in four hours to do the whole of the Market Square and make it safe and acceptable.
Cumbria County's promise of repairs of Setts in the Gill worthless
County Councillor, James Airey, stated that these setts would definitely be repaired within six weeks.
That deadline expired last Friday.
So on the assumption that it could never happen - the setts featured in the Westmorland Gazette
have been repaired by me, regardless of CCC restrictions.
Here's the result
At least the road is safe again. Next time we won't wait a whole year for County Council none action to rectify a potentially dangerous situation.
That deadline expired last Friday.
So on the assumption that it could never happen - the setts featured in the Westmorland Gazette
have been repaired by me, regardless of CCC restrictions.
Here's the result
At least the road is safe again. Next time we won't wait a whole year for County Council none action to rectify a potentially dangerous situation.
Saturday, 21 August 2010
Setts in the Gill
Job done - in a small way!
More to be done!
If a source of setts were available, an even better job could be done.
More to be done!
If a source of setts were available, an even better job could be done.
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Laying setts in The Gill
Skip to 1 minute 20 seconds to see skilled workers producing an excellent result.
Can we ever expect the county council to ensure workmanship of this quality and speed?
Can you imagine the contractors authorised by them to work in this way?
I'm sure that the use of setts is being totally mismanaged.
Don't we have many skilled drystone wallers who could do this work well and quickly?
The quick judgement in choosing the right sett to fit in will produce a secure surface that will bind together and last for years and give years of enjoyment too. Partially sighted people can enjoy the adventure of traversing a textured surface that can be relatively hazard free. Let's live a little!
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