Melton Road footway maintenance FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions relating to the first phase of footway maintenance works (starting September 2024) as part of the Melton Road corridor improvement programme.
The scheme involves closing short sections of footway, digging up the existing uneven footway and putting a new footway down. This includes laying sections of blocks and a resin bound material around the trees. Where necessary drainage channels will be installed to drain water off the footway. This scheme is the start of a phased approach over the next few years aimed at improving sections of the footways along Melton Road.
The same approach to the Melton Road footway works was taken on Narborough Road. This approach delivers significant improvements over time but keeps disruption to residents and businesses to a minimum by working in short sections.
The scheme is due to start on Sunday 1st September 2024 and is scheduled to last for approximately 15 weeks - depending on the weather.
The location of the scheme is on the county bound (outbound) side of Melton Road between Checketts Road and Ascot Road. Work will start at the Ascot Road junction working outbound towards Checketts Road.
We will work in short sections and aim to complete this first phase before the Christmas holidays. We will endeavour to keep noise, dust and inconvenience to a minimum during the works. Access will be maintained to your premises.
We will use different measures to manage the traffic and pedestrians depending on the type of works being carried out. During some of the works, we will need to close the outbound lane on Melton Road, therefore, we will install two-way temporary traffic lights to manage the traffic and to create a safe working space on the footways.
Clearly marked pedestrian walkways will be installed where footways are closed to safely guide pedestrians through and past the works. These walkways will be created using barriers, cones, and signs. We will also provide pedestrian walkways to the front door/access to your premises.
The footway maintenance scheme starting in September 2024 is the first phase of a scheduled programme of works to improve the footways on Melton Road. Future schemes will be subject to funding, but we hope to carry out more schemes over the coming years.
The proposed hours of working are between 7am to 3:30pm from Monday to Friday and we will also need to occasionally work at weekends. Finishing the works at this time helps avoid the peak times during term time for both traffic and pedestrians.
We do not envisage working outside of these times, but we may need to in order to resolve any safety or construction concerns. If we do work outside of these hours, we will let you know by letter or in person.
Stretches of the existing footway between Checketts Road and Ascot Road are in very poor condition. Our scheme aims to make the footways safer, more pedestrian friendly to walk on and to rectify areas which currently flood by installing new drainage channel systems. These works will also improve the overall look and feel of the area.
We will store our materials at the front of the footpaths and in laybys to improve accessibility. We will also provide pedestrian walkways along the footway and also directly to your front door/entrance.
If you have any specific access requirements, please speak to an Operative and/or the Site Supervisor on site, we will accommodate you where practicably possible.
We will work with you to determine your opening/closing times and carry out the work directly outside your front door/entrance, when your shop/business is closed. This could involve working on a Sunday or early in the morning.
If you have any specific access requirements, please speak to an Operative and/or the Site Supervisor on site, we will accommodate you where practicably possible.
When we are working directly outside your shop/business, you will not be able to put your displays out at the front. We will work as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimise the length of time we are directly outside your premises. We work in short sections and dependent on the size of the shop front, we can usually complete our works in a week, however, this does depend on favourable weather conditions.
When we are working directly outside your premises, we will use the existing laybys to store materials and these will be closed off, so parking directly outside will not be possible.
If you have any specific parking requirements, please speak to an Operative and/or the Site Supervisor on site, we will accommodate you where practicably possible.
Leicester City Council has no powers under the Highways Act 1980 to give compensation for disruption caused by road works, however, businesses may, in certain circumstances, be entitled to a temporary reduction in business rates due to disruption caused by major road works. Should you wish to discuss this further please contact the valuation office agency on 03000 501 501.
In addition, we may be able to reduce your business rates bill by allowing ‘hardship’ relief for a period of time. This reduction is discretionary, and you will need to complete an application form and provide necessary supporting information. In particular you will need to provide evidence to show the actual impact on the turnover due to the road works compared to the same period in the previous year. It is essential that applications for temporary reductions in rating assessments are made whilst the road works are in progress. Should you wish to speak to someone regarding business rates please contact our Council Tax and Business Rates line on 0116 454 1005.
We do not intend to remove any trees during this phase of the works but may need to trim some branches back. If you need to speak to someone about trees, please contact the Trees and Woodlands Team by ringing Customer Services on 0116 454 1000 and request to speak to a Trees and Woodlands Officer.
Alternatively, please email: [email protected]
We have tried to keep disruption to bus services and bus stops to a minimum, however, in some locations we will need to close a bus stop temporarily in the work area for a few days. When we do this, we will install a temporary bus stop near to the work area which will be indicated by a Temporary Bus Stop sign.
In the first instance please speak to our Operatives/Site Supervisor on site who should be able to assist you.
Alternatively, please email our Highways Maintenance Team at [email protected], together with your name, address and contact details, and an officer will come back to you.
If you wish to report any other issues such as fly tipping, please contact Customer Services on 0116 454 1000 (Mon - Fri 10.30am - 3.30pm).
Alternatively, please report it online via Leicester City Council website or via the Love Clean Streets app