THE investigation by Prof Steven Broomhead, interim chief executive of Warrington Borough Council, into what went wrong when road markings were modified, without warning, at Bridgefoot, has revealed an almost unbelievable lack of care in the council’s Transport, Engineering and Operations service.
Major changes at one of the most complex and most heavily congested road junctions in the borough were the subject of an “almost informal dialogue”, largely conducted by email.
As a result there was confusion between the project manager and two separate teams of officers leading to a plan clearly marked as “not approved” being given to a contractor to implement.
When the work was done it was found the scheme just did not work – and motorists were left confused and understandably angry.
We should perhaps not be surprised, as we live in an age when a casual approach to serious matters appears to have become the norm. In fact, we should almost be grateful that in this case the cost to the public purse was only £5,000.
But we cannot help but wonder if there are other similar blunders which do not come to light and are perhaps more costly.
The thoroughness of Prof Broomhead’s report, produced at a speed we are not accustomed to when dealing with local government, was impressive.
It was pleasing to note that it cleared elected members of the council of any blame in what can only be described as a fiasco.
Councillors, who should have been kept informed, were left in the dark by officers. As soon as they were alerted to the situation they acted decisively to remedy the problems quickly.
Modesty forbids us reveal who alerted the councillors.
THE investigation by Prof Steven Broomhead, interim chief executive of
Warrington Borough Council, into what went wrong when road markings were
modified, without warning, at Bridgefoot, has revealed an almost
unbelievable lack of care in the council's Transport, Engineering and
Operations service.
Modesty forbids…
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
2 Comments
It is disappointing that no action is being taken against the officers or/and the person in overall charge.
WHY isn’t it a strict rule, that any changes are vetted by the Exec. After all, they are there to look after the interests of warrington.
What is really puzzling is how senior officers were able to wash their hands of any blame. Doesn’t responsibility go hand in hand with the salaries that are paid to senior officers? If it does not then those posts should be abolished and it would help to balance the Council’s budget. The speed with which the investigation was completed is commendable, but the outcome of it is frankly unacceptable. Modesty may perhaps forbid but the reality is a shameful indictment on the officers of the Council.