By Brendan Rees
Scratched cars, a disconnected internet connection, a broken letterbox and other troubles have left residents of Cranbourne frustrated with road and footpath works.
Casey Council contractors began rehabilitation works which is funded by council rates on Hotham Street, Normanby Street and Barkly Street on Monday, 9 April for maintenance of concrete footpaths, kerb and channel and asphalt road surfaces.
Last week residents said they were fed up not being unable to access their driveways for up to three weeks.
Hotham Street resident Glenys Kennedy, who uses a mobility walker, said a step board was placed at the front of her property but later removed. “I can’t even get out to get into my car,” she said last week.
Hotham Street resident Patrick O’Connor-Bryne said his grandson who lives in Bowen Street, had his car vandalised when he had no choice but to park it on the street.
“Some so and so came along and keyed the roof, and the bonnet and the mudguard and the doors and everything. He got a quote to get it fixed for $5000,” he said.
Another resident of Bowen Street, Renee, who asked not to reveal her surname said her letter box was damaged by machinery however one of the workers apologised and offered a reimbursement.
Casey’s Manager for City Design and Construction Trevor Griffin said access to properties would be available from Saturday 14 April.
“The works have been undertaken as quickly as possible but there will be some inconvenience to residents during this time,” he said.
Star News visited the area on Tuesday 17 April and found workers undertaking rehabilitation works on Bowen Street, Canterbury Street and Barkly Street.
Shann, 11, of Normanby Street claimed one of the trucks took out an internet connection outside his family’s home on 12 April.
“I do have a lot of homework to complete and most of its online,” he said.
Normanby Street resident Kath, who asked not to reveal her surname, said the workers had been really helpful but the works had been “going on that long and it’s ridiculous.”
“Because it’s done on such a big scale, it’s causing too much chaos,” she said.
She said timber boards placed on nature strips as a step way for residents were dangerous for the elderly and disabled.
“They’re too high to step up and they wobble a lot,” she said.
“Some people got up in the morning after the trenches were dug up and discovered the wooden boards were thrown on the nature strip.”
Mr Griffen said steel plates were provided for access to the property of a disabled resident in Normanby Street.
Senior solicitor of Johnstone and Reimer Lawyers, Rachel Rooney said it was disappointing Casey Council had left the area open to trips and falls.
“We hope to see this rectified as a matter of urgency to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors of the street,” she said.
