A PARISH chairman claims an experimental road resurfacing operation in York was “botched” after workmen had to return for a second time to carry out further repairs.

Mark Warters, the chairman of Osbaldwick Parish council, said Tranby Avenue was resurfaced in 2006 using a new “crack and seat” technique, which involved distressing the concrete base before laying down new bitumen.

“These works ruined the original concrete road and have led to complete failure in many parts,” he said.

He said workmen from City of York Council had had to return in 2008, and again this past week, to carry out repairs after the surface became so uneven it was potentially dangerous to cyclists and other road users.

“Some of the hollows are nine inches deep,” he said. “They tried to save money with the original resurfacing but it was botched.”

He said council officials had told the parish council it was considering remedial work, but had to balance what it could do against the available resources, and this meant some work might be carried out this financial year and some more during the next financial year.

Richard White, assistant director in communities and neighbourhoods at the council, confirmed the authority had used a “new and innovative” technique to resurface Tranby Avenue in 2006.

“This method was used in order to reduce costs and act as a trial for possible use on other roads in the York area,” he said.

“However, it did not achieve the results expected and for that reason was not carried out elsewhere in the city.”

He said the council was aware of the condition of Tranby Avenue and its highways department had been regularly inspecting the road on a monthly basis, to ensure it was kept in a safe and useable condition.

“We will continue to monitor and carry out minor repairs as and when required to ensure safe passage for pedestrians and motorists, and every effort will be made to find a cost effective solution, within budgets available.”