Many Vale residents have had Council letters landing at their door in regard to ‘illegal crossovers’, which has generated a high level of correspondence.
The Vale Council is pressing ahead to ensure that dropped kerbs must be installed where they are deemed necessary and are increasing enforcement against the crossovers to private driveways.
In many cases the current access arrangement has been functioning for decades, with residents unaware that they would need to install a dropped kerb. I have therefore written to the Council Leader Neil Moore, to ask why the Council have decided to implement this now and I call on the Authority to pause this action, pending a consultation with affected residents.
Further to this, I must challenge the basis for the £215 application fee. The Council is insisting that the work must take place, with obvious construction costs, while simultaneously charging for an application. The practice suggests that this is nothing but another revenue raising exercise rather than a legitimate cost.
Finally, there appears to be a lack of consistency over which residents have been contacted. Some are concerned they have not received a demand, when their neighbours in identical position have. I hope the Council will respond positively to the residents demands for clarity and understanding in regards to the fees.
