A COUNCILLOR has hit out after a York road resurfacing scheme was aborted at the last minute, amid fears that heavy construction traffic would ruin the new surface.

Cllr Mark Warters claimed City of York Council planned, procured and announced the scheme in Bad Bargain Lane before postponing it after he warned officials about the impact of the imminent redevelopment of the former Burnholme School site.

He said one council department failed to realise another department’s scheme for the school site would involve the provision of new services, heavy demolition and construction work and realigned kerb lines and entrances that would cut through the resurfacing in numerous places.

“As far as a shambles goes, the situation is as bad as it gets,” he claimed. “The Burnholme School redevelopment is a high-profile CYC scheme. There is absolutely no excuse for highway maintenance not knowing the implications of such a redevelopment on the highway network.”

Russell Stone, head of operations, said Bad Bargain Lane was one of the many roads included in the 2016/17 road maintenance programme.

“Following the forthcoming development at Burnholme School it has been decided to delay the full resurfacing of the road due to the expected carriageway crossings and construction traffic,” he said.

“Once the work at the site has been completed, the road will be resurfaced as originally planned. Certain areas of the road have been patched to ensure the road is maintained to a safe condition.

“Once the work in the area is completed it will then be assessed to see if speed management measures are required.”

Heworth Without councillor Nigel Ayre said residents might be surprised that Cllr Warters appeared to be opposing the start of much-needed resurfacing work. “The road was in a very poor condition, and while it is disappointing that full resurfacing will now be delayed, action still needed to be taken.

“Some essential repair work has taken place and residents should see improvements to what was one of the worst road surfaces in the area. On completion of the exciting new community hub at Burnholme with new library facilities, full resurfacing will take place.”