COUNCIL Tax payers are to foot the bill for pavement repairs - much to the disgust of one Preston councillor who claims the improvements are to cover up the mess left by private firms.

Councillor Terry Cartwright who represents Deepdale, said plans for a new road surface and kerbs on Holme Slack Lane would not only be disruptive but would let the firms he says is responsible, off the hook.

Residents have been told the work will start on July 29 and leaving the lane closed 8am-4.30pm for nearly two months.

Councillor Cartwright said: "I think it's unfair that we come along after other companies and have to foot the bill.

"Over the past 12 months the road has been dug up twice, once for gas work and once for cable television.

"It is going to cause some interruption on the lane. The regular bus service which usually goes along Holme Slack Lane will now have to use Manor House Lane," he added.

Roy Peary of British Gas said they were negotiating with the council and would help out with resurfacing costs: "The local authority has agreed to cover the whole footpath so we will give them an allocation of money to finish off our job."

Tom Taylor of Telewest Communications said: "We were upgrading the area and had no problems. We have been back to the area since and are happy with our job."

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