Ian has received the following advanced information about roadworks affecting Farbrook Way, (between the junctions of Perry Hall Drive and Edinburgh Drive).

Repairs will be carried out on a manhole cover and frame on Wednesday 18 September between 8.00 am and 5.00 pm. The work is being done by Amey on behalf of Severn Trent Water. It has to be said that this is part of ongoing work by Severn Trent Water to tackle the problem of loose/damaged manhole covers at a number of locations many of which Ian and his team have reported in on behalf of residents. He and the team are continuing to press other Agencies, including the Council, to get on with sorting out similar problems with manholes which are their responsibility.

Included in this list is the manhole cover and frame in Essington Rd on the approach to the Lichfield Rd island where Virgin have tried to mask the problem by sticking a load of tarmac over the manhole as a temporary repair. You know what Virgin, it ain’t worked! Just get on and do the job properly!!

Another source of annoyance, particularly for those who live right by it, is the manhole by the bus stop outside the Victory Club on the Lichfield Rd. This one is the responsibility of Walsall Council. They have had two or three attempts now at resolving the problem of a very noisy loose manhole cover. It lasts a couple of days, then it’s as bad as ever. Ian has asked that Walsall Council carry out a thorough inspection of this particular manhole cover and frame to identify why it remains such a stubborn problem.