About one kilometre of roadway has been re-sheeted and resealed at a cost of $72,000 and the project has been completed without cost to residents and within a tight roadworks time schedule.

“We’ve been very happy with Council’s progress on this project,” Beech Street resident Ian Larnach said.

“Usually you have to wait several years to have funding allocated for work such as this, so we are thrilled with Councilπs rapid attention to our needs.”

Residents started the ball rolling in August 1999 when they approached Council requesting sealing of the three streets.

In February last year, Council’s Technical Services Division submitted a report highlighting the extent of the project and an overall estimate for it.

In July last year, Council determined that sealing of the three streets be referred for consideration to the 2001/2002 budget.

Just one month later, Council resolved to bring the project forward, with sealing of the streets to be completed during the current (2000/2001) financial year.

The initial approach by residents to Council in August 1999 suggested they would consider contributing to the funding of the roadworks.

“There were about 30 residents who were prepared to contribute to the roadworks,” Mr Larnach said.

In August last year, Council announced that it would not be relying on resident contribution and thanked the residents who offered to contribute.

When Council reviewed the proposed work late last year it was decided to delay sealing until Transfield had completed the sewer connection work in the area, so that the newly sealed road would not be damaged by their work.

After consultation with Transfield the road sealing was scheduled for late March and was completed earlier this week.

Prior to sealing, the road was re-sheeted with an additional 150mm of road base to suit local conditions.

The road width sealed is five metres to provide sufficient cover to the shoulders of the road.

“It looks like a top job and I’d like to thank Wingecarribee Shire Council, and in particular Councillor Heather Carter, on behalf of the residents,” Mr Larnach said.

Residents will be organising a street party to celebrate the road sealing.