An item on the agenda of St Albans City and District Council’s Local Services Scrutiny Committee on 8 January was the performance of Hertfordshire County Council in maintaining the District’s highways.

The Committee decided it wanted to consider the matter following a presentation by the County Council’s Executive Member for Highways and Waste Management, Cllr Terry Douris, in September 2013.

The Committee was keen to follow up the recommendations agreed at the earlier meeting and receive updated information on the performance of the County Council’s main contractors.

Cllr Anthony Rowlands, Chair of the Council’s Local Services Scrutiny Committee, said: “The Committee recognises that highways repairs is a major service provided by Hertfordshire County Council that is of interest to all residents. We were disappointed that Hertfordshire County Council was not represented at our Committee meeting to update us on progress with contract performance. However, we understand that a meeting will take place shortly between Cabinet members and the County Council that will cover highways repairs. The Committee is expecting to receive a report on the outcome of that meeting.

“District Councillors are often contacted by residents about the repair of highways. Unfortunately, Hertfordshire County Council is unwilling to engage directly with us regarding our concerns about how the process is working. We therefore have to raise these concerns indirectly through District Council officers or County Councillors. The County Council has expressed a strong interest in wanting to work in partnership with the District Council. Closer cooperation over highways issues would be a great starting point.”