A decision was taken to recommence the highways maintenance programme in May 2020 and this included a scheme at the junction of Stanhope Road South/ Coniscliffe Road and West St.

Each site has been re-examined with regard to social distancing and appropriate safety measures and almost all are able to progress.

However, upon release of lockdown and the Council trying to support businesses getting back to business one scheme was reviewed as it was considered there may be some disruption to businesses and pedestrians trying to access parts of the town centre and conflict with the social distancing measures now in place around the Imperial Quarter.

Delaying the scheme until later in the year is recommended.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (inc virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Finance - Deferring for a year will risk the roads deteriorating further and requiring monitoring and more extensive work the following year and there will be the extra work required throughout the year to keep areas in a safe and serviceable condition for another 12 months.

Equality Impacts:
Each scheme will consider equality needs as part of the temporary works during the delivery phase. The maintenance schemes should result in a reduction of potential hazards in the highway.

Defer the Stanhope Road South/ Coniscliffe Road and West St Highway maintenance scheme.

Reasons - To support town centre recovery.

Continuing with the work was considered but on balance but it was felt there would be impact on pedestrians accessing the town centre and further disruption when business and the Council trying to promote town centre activity.