Peterborough resident demand action over road delays

Andrew MacFarlaine, a Conservative candidate in the recent Peterborough City Council elections, has joined residents of Arkwright Way on the Manor Drive Estate in Gunthorpe calling for urgent action.

He said: "People have waited long enough. Every time it looks like progress is finally being made, another obstacle appears.

"Residents just want to see the road resurfaced and the footpath that links Booker Avenue to the Manor Drive estate completed safely and properly."

This footpath links Booker Avenue with the Manor Drive Estate - but is yet to be completed four years after it should have been finished. (Image: Andrew MacFarlaine)

He has contacted the developer Keepmoat Homes asking for an update on the work, with the firm blaming the delay on Peterborough City Council, who Mr MacFarlaine says are blaming Keepmoat in return.

He said: "Residents would like some clarity from Keepmoat and Peterborough City Council over when they can expect this work to be carried out.

"At present, there is about 100 metres of roadway along Arkwright Drive that has not been properly surfaced, and has drains and manhole covers sticking up.

"I have been told that the roadway is not wide enough and that Keepmoat is waiting for approval from the city council for what they are proposing to do to get the road resurfaced, and also for the completion of the nearby footpath."

Andrew MacFarlaine stood as a Conservative candidate in the recent city council elections, he is continuing to help Manor Drive Estate residents to get the action they want. (Image: Andrew MacFarlaine)

The footpath is used by families from the Booker Avenue area walking to the Manor Drive School.

Mr MacFarlaine said: "At the moment, the footpath is just mud and not ideal for families trying to get through to the school."

He said that despite attending meetings and sending repeated emails, many residents feel left in the dark about when work will finally begin.

One resident said: "It's exhausting. We keep hearing promises, but nothing ever seems to happen. Four years is far too long."

Frustrated residents and campaigners are now calling for immediate action from both the council and Keepmoat to end the delays.

Mr Macfarlaine said: "Residents deserve honesty and action. People are tired of excuses — they simply want this sorted. I was told this was supposed to have been completed by the end of March, but we still have not had any update, and there has been no work carried out."

Both parties are being urged to provide residents with clear answers, a firm timeline, and immediate action to finally resolve the long-running issue.

A spokesperson for Keepmoat South Midlands said: “We’re aware of concerns raised by residents regarding the roads and paths on Arkwright Way and we’re committed to working with the council, residents and all delivery partners to resolve these. 

“At Keepmoat, we investigate all concerns raised, and we encourage residents to report any specific areas they feel require attention so we can continue to investigate and act accordingly.”

Peterborough City Council has also been asked to comment.