URGENT repair and maintenance works at Hardshaw Brook Depot will begin “immediately” after council chiefs approved the £1 million plans.

The council’s only operational depot is located between Jackson Street to the east and Warrington Road/Peasley Cross Lane to the west.

The depot stores a fleet of approximately 170 vehicles across a number of services, with more than 100 members of staff based there.

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A cabinet report says detailed building condition and service surveys carried out found that all external areas throughout the depot are deteriorating, including car parks and roadways.

A number of other buildings, including the stores and admin block, require “significant repair” in order to remain operational.

In addition, recommendations from the fire risk assessment identified a number of repair and maintenance issues that require urgent attention and completion before the end of October 2019.

While the council intends to address these issues, the cabinet report says a new-build alternative could prove more cost-effective in the long-term.

Cllr Kate Groucutt, cabinet member for corporate services, estates and communication, said: “The age and the condition of the facilities within the depot means that there’s now a need for us as an authority to invest to ensure that some of our most important public services can continue to operate effectively.

“A review of the buildings and fabric of the depot has been undertaken and immediate works are now recommended to ensure a safe and effective working environment is provided.

“Further work is also being undertaken to determine a future strategy for depot services but our focus at this time is to carry out these immediate works.

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“We have a duty as an employer to undertake fire risk assessments and that adequate and appropriate fire risk measures are put in place to minimise potential risks.”

Cllr Groucutt said works will start “immediately” to address any potential issues identified.

Cabinet approved capital expenditure of £1 million to address immediate repair and maintenance issues within Hardshaw Brook Depot.