A community scheme has been launched by Shropshire Council to enhance local road maintenance efforts.

The ‘road warden’ initiative will see a volunteer group – currently consisting of almost 40 residents - complete low-risk highway and street scene duties, including litter picking, sign cleaning, minor vegetation trimming, clearing leaves, and reporting highway defects.

Led by Shropshire Council and Church Preen, Hughley & Kenley Parish Council, the pilot project is designed to boost partnership working between communities and the local authority, as well as ensuring local people have more of a part to play in preserving public spaces and delivering quick responses to minor issues.

It could also involve volunteers working on ‘very small’ pothole repairs in ‘limited, approved circumstances’ and targeting footways and quiet roads for treatment.

To support pothole prevention aims, volunteers will first help to fix ditches and drains to clear water from the road, allowing for the delivery of maintenance work.

Inspired by the success of the Devon Road Warden Scheme, Shropshire Council’s pilot will be regulated using a ‘robust governance framework’, with volunteers being equipped with training and personal protective equipment to complete their work within a ‘tightly controlled scope’.

David Vasmer, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and environment, said: ‘This pilot scheme offers a number of benefits, including a faster response to small issues, more cost-effective maintenance that will reduce the pressure on Shropshire Council resources, and cleaner, safer and more attractive roads and verges.

‘It will also strengthen the relationship between Shropshire Council and the parish council, ensuring shared responsibility for public spaces.’