LGA responds to Asphalt Industry Alliance Survey on state of local roads

RESPONDING to the Asphalt Industry Alliance's survey on the state of local roads, Cllr David Renard, the Local Government Association's transport spokesman, said:- "Councils share the frustration of motorists about the state of our local roads and, as this survey shows, fixing our roads is a priority for them. Despite the financial pressures Councils face, they continue to fix a pothole every 21 seconds. Yet despite these efforts, it is clear that our roads are deteriorating at a faster rate than can be repaired by Councils, with the cost of clearing our national roads backlog on the rise and now over ₤10 billion. Additional funding announced in the Budget will help Councils to do more to maintain our roads this year and tackle our local road repairs backlog, and we look forward to seeing the details of how this money will be allocated between Councils. To help Councils go further to maintain our roads, they need devolved infrastructure and public transport budgets; ensuring a funding allocation in advance for 5 years, which would enable them to deliver infrastructure improvements that allow people to move around in less carbon intensive and more sustainable ways."

Coronavirus is bringing communities together

CORONAVIRUS is bringing communities together; with a quarter of adults saying it has seen them talk to neighbours they previously had no relationship with. A study of 2,000 adults found 64% believe COVID-19 is bringing their neighbourhood closer together in a lot of ways. Many are now carrying out acts of kindness they wouldn't have done before the outbreak with 30% checking in on elderly relatives and another 23% getting in touch with a vulnerable neighbour to offer help. And 33% have also offered to get shopping and essentials for a relative or neighbour who is unable to leave the house. Others have started to donate to a foodbank (13%), volunteered for a charity or local group in need (10%) or shopped from a small or local business instead of going to a large chain (28%).

The study, by ChannelMum.com, also revealed more than four in 10 said their street or community has set up a help group for those nearby who are unable to go out due to being elderly, vulnerable or in self isolation.

Siobhan Freegard from ChannelMum.com said:- "The Coronavirus crisis might be causing stress and fear but it's also kick started a wave of kindness around the country. People are putting politics and other divisions behind them to concentrate on helping each other and bringing their communities back together. By sticking together and supporting those around us, we can hopefully make the uncertain weeks and months ahead a little easier."

But it's not just communities which are being affected by Coronavirus as 49% of those polled believe it will also bring them closer to their partner; because self isolation means they will have more quality time together. 66% of those living with their partner are now with their other half more than usual due to social distancing, self-isolation or working from home. And while 57% previously struggled to be together due to busy work and family schedules, 74% believe they will now have more quality time. As a result, 49% think it will bring them and their partner closer together in the long run. 66% of those polled even believe there will be a baby boom in 9 months as couples have the time to reconnect with each other. 40% went as far as to say being 'stuck' at home with their partner will have a positive impact on their relationship.

As people avoid pubs, bars and restaurants, 43% of couples polled, via OnePoll, are turning to:- 'at home' date nights as they try to keep the spark alive in their relationship. Watching a film together is considered the most popular way to spend time together at home, along with having a home-cooked meal, a few drinks and a good old conversation. Cuddles on the sofa, sex and a social media and gadget ban are also considered ideal home date night activities.

Top 10 things which make up the ideal home date night:-

1. Watching a film together (57%)
2. A home-cooked meal (56%)
3. Some alcoholic drinks (43%)
4. Conversation (41%)
5. Cuddles on the sofa (40%)
6. Sex (36%)
7. Music (26%)
8. Bingeing on box sets (24%)
9. Playing games (24%)
10. A social media and gadget ban (13%)