Northern Gas Networks works at York grass verges slammed

Liberal Democrat Rural West York ward’s Cllr Anne Hook said there were reports holes dug in verges in Poppleton’s Springfield Road and Riverside Gardens were not being filled in properly.

Mark Mawhood, Northern Gas Network’s operations manager, said they fully understood the importance of protecting verges and the appearance of local areas when carrying out works.

City of York Council’s environment lead Dave Atkinson said the works had been inspected and were found to comply with legal standards.

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Cllr Hook said residents had contacted her claiming contractors were using bitumen and Type 1 MOT to fill in holes dug as part of the works.

One said rocks were still visible beneath a couple of inches of soil on top of a filled-in hole.

The councillor said there were fears it could lead to lasting damage to grass verges and trees.

Cllr Hook said: “This is incredibly frustrating for residents who take pride in their local environment.

“We are seeing verges and trees put at risk because the work simply isn’t being done properly.

“There are clear rules about how excavations should be reinstated, and using materials that prevent regrowth is completely unacceptable.”

Northern Gas Networks carried out the works in Poppleton (Image: File)

Mr Mawhood said works had been carried out in line with strict industry procedures and approved utility protocols.

The operations manager added their works had two-year guarantees and they were happy to revisit any that had caused concern.

Mr Mawhood said: “When excavating in sensitive areas such as verges and around trees, our teams use controlled excavation methods.

“The materials and methods used for reinstatement are governed by national specifications.

“In certain areas, Type 1 MOT and bituminous materials are required as part of a structured backfill to ensure long-term ground stability and protect critical infrastructure.

“This verge was temporally backfilled with Type 1 and bituminous material to then allow the full reinstatement of the carriageway and relevant kerbs.

“This material in the verge was then removed and replaced with topsoil and seeding, this is consistent with our standard approach across all public verge reinstatements.”

Mr Atkinson said officials would monitor the works during the two-year guarantee period and take action if necessary.

He said: “We have inspected the sites raised and the necessary remedial actions required under the relevant legislation have been undertaken by Northern Gas Networks.

“We have engaged with Northern Gas Networks management to ensure that there are no future occurrences of stone being used as backfill within verges, particularly in the vicinity of trees.

“Our hard-working team of inspectors continue to monitor utility works across the city to ensure that reinstatement works are completed correctly and residents’ concerns are addressed.”