Richard Scaife alongside a recently installed kerb on Collet Way. It is one of many examples of work he views as sub-par within Leeming.
Camera IconRichard Scaife alongside a recently installed kerb on Collet Way. It is one of many examples of work he views as sub-par within Leeming. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Leeming resident says suburb gets ‘short end of stick’ on maintenance after dodgy kerbing job

Headshot of Josh Zimmerman
Josh ZimmermanMelville Gazette

A RECENTLY installed section of dodgy kerbing on Collett Way is the latest example of Leeming “getting the short end of the stick” when it comes to council maintenance, according to nearby resident Richard Scaife.

Mr Scaife believes the standard of work carried out in Leeming consistently falls below what would be considered acceptable in some of the City of Melville’s neighbourhoods that are more affluent.

“If I drove around Booragoon, Applecross, Attadale or Mt Pleasant I bet I would not see an example of anything done to such a poor standard,” he said.

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“The new kerb section is poorly shaped, bigger than the original and not even close to the same colour.”

City of Melville acting chief executive Marten Tieleman insisted kerbing standards and quality requirements were the same across all suburbs but agreed the Collett Way kerb was not up to scratch.

“The reinstatement was undertaken by ATCO Gas and is not acceptable to the City of Melville,” he said.

“City officers are following up with ATCO Gas to rectify the work to meet the City’s standards.”

Mr Scaife said a number of recently installed drain covers on Gladstone Road and extensive tree root damage along Findlay Road were other examples of Leeming being neglected.

“Leeming is being slummed, the standard of work is just not good enough” he said.

Mr Tieleman said contractors and City engineering maintenance crews were not assigned to any one particular area or group of neighbourhoods.

He also said the drainage Mr Scaife referred to had been installed according to the City’s specifications and was regarded as being of an acceptable and functional standard.

“The City is aware of the tree root damage and has been working on finding solutions to the issue,” he said.

“The kerbing in this scenario cannot simply be re-laid as the tree roots will continue to impact the infrastructure, and trimming the roots is likely to harm the tree.

“Options are being investigated such as median or road widening and other possible treatments.”

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