Less than 24 hours after his election, new Conservative Councillor for Cambridge Sinclair D’Albuquerque is supporting residents of Knob Hall Lane in a long-standing dispute over the upkeep of the road.
Knob Hall Lane is an “unadopted” road meaning the residents, rather than the Council, are responsible for its upkeep.
However Mr D’Albuquerque says the Council are using the road for access to building developments, leaving residents to foot the repair bill of the road’s heavy useage.
Sinclair said: “The fact that the Council granted planning permission to two large residential developments and continue to grant permission for properties to be built where the only means of access is over the un-adopted road is quite frankly, ridiculous!
“A situation where the residents of Knob Hall Lane have to grant and allow access to Council vehicles, over a section of road the residents themselves are responsible for maintaining, from their own pocket, in order for the Council to service the adjoining adopted roads, has quite rightly angered many property owners.”
In February 2020 Sefton Council said: “As Knob Hall Lane is an unadopted road, we are not responsible for its upkeep.
“This has been clearly explained numerous times to ward councillors and residents. Ultimately any liability remains with the landowners.”
The laws surrounding the adoption status of roads and private roads is incredibly complex. Knob Hall lane serves over 130 homes, in addition to being used by through traffic.
OTS News has contacted Sefton Council for renewed comment on the situation.
Sinclair continued: “I have spent a great deal of time in the run up to the local elections, listening to residents and this was clearly a huge problem. Together with fellow ward councillors and Conservative colleague, councillor Mike Morris, we are hoping to finally get the Knob Hall Lane saga resolved.
“I am honoured and proud to have been elected to serve the constituents of Cambridge ward and will work hard to re-pay the debt I owe the residents who have put their trust in me to deliver for them.”