I'm putting on my top hat.

Complaint to Haringey Council 15 August 2014

 

I've noticed the metal base of a broken column on the pavement in Parkhurst Road N17 near the junction with Dowsett Road N17. It is leaning and is an obstruction. It has been there at least since 18 February 2014 if not earlier.

 

I appreciate that such a broken column requires a specialist contractor to disconnect the electricity cables, make it safe, remove it and repair the pavement.

 

However, for several months I have observed no action at all. Then some days ago striped tape was wound round the column base and a traffic cone. In other words the Council has finally realised this is an obstacle which may pose dangers especially for someone who is elderly or has a visual handicap.

 

Action I would like from the Council

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1. Remove the broken column without further delay.

2. Make good by repairing the pavement.

3. Explain to me the reasons for this long delay.

4. Give me some firm assurance that the Council's (a) Reporting systems and (b) Highways repair systems have been improved so that these works are completed quickly and that such delays will not happen.

 

Additional information

Uploaded file: Photo of BrokenColumnBase13August2014.jpg

 

From: Haringey Council ingey.gov.uk [noreply@haringey.gov.uk]

Sent: 15 August 2014 13:27

Subject: Complaining about a Council Service e-form feedback Web reference number: HC-221249

 

Dear Mr Stanton,

 

Thank you for giving us an opportunity to investigate your complaint.

 

A site visit has confirmed that the post is the remains of a give way post that suffered vehicle impact. An order has been raised with our contractor to install a new post complete with sign light and a give way sign plate and also to transfer the electrical service. Once this work has been completed the old stump will be removed and the footway reinstated. This work will be completed by the end of September.

 

I have investigated why action was not taken sooner as your e-mail states the column has been in that condition since February. Unfortunately this does not appear to have been picked up by our Neighbourhood Action Team or bi-weekly scouting regime. I will be investigating this further with our contractor at our performance meeting and apologise for the delay in addressing this issue. I uphold your complaint and assure you that I will be seeking confirmation from our contractor that issues of this nature will not be overlooked in future as I agree they provide potential safety hazards for pedestrians.

 

I hope that I have resolved your concerns to your satisfaction.

 

If you are unhappy with my response, you can ask our Feedback and Information Governance Team to review your complaint. You should tell them what you remain dissatisfied about and what you want us to do to put things right. This normally has to be done within 12 months of this response. Their contact details are:

 

Feedback and Information Governance Team

7th Floor, River Park House

225 High Road

Wood Green

London N22 8HQ

Email: FIG@haringey.gov.uk

 

Yours sincerely,

Group Manager Sustainable Transport

Haringey Council

River Park House, 225 High Road, London N22 8HQ

 

[email address given]

Done