The following types of damage are considered to be a risk:

• gully or drain cover missing.
• damage to walls or fences, exposing a large drop to the rear on either the pavement or road.
• pedestrian guard railing protruding into the pavement or road.
• fencing protruding into the pavement or road.
• concrete bollard knocked over onto the pavement or road.
• inspection cover missing or damaged.
• bridge parapets damaged.
• oil spillages on the road.
• lamp columns knocked down, wires exposed or lanterns hanging loose.
• road traffic bollards knocked down or broken.
• sign poles knocked down or sign plates hanging loose.
• traffic signals lights not working or traffic light head broken or hanging loose.

We require as much of the following information as possible to respond to your report:

• street name and area.
• location on street, ie; is it near a house number or road junction?
• description and detail of the damage.
• your name and a contact number.
• date and approximate time of damage.
• persons or vehicle registration responsible for damage (if known).
• were the police in attendance?

The report will then be classed as either an emergency or routine work based on the type of damage. For emergency work we aim to make a hazard safe within two hours.

If the damage is clearly not the responsibility of the Council, then ownership details can be established and we will contact the respective public utility company or owner who is responsible. If the responsibility cannot be established and the damage or hazard requires making safe, the Council will carry out the work within 2 hours and attempt to recover the costs from the property owner.

The following are some examples of street furniture and property that is not always the responsibility of the Council:

• some inspection covers in the pavement or road for example; stop taps, fire hydrants and valve boxes
• walls built for non-highway purposes
• cellar covers
• British Telecom and NTL cabinets and manholes
• Severn Trent Water (STW) manhole covers.
• If you require further advice or information please contact us.