Q&A Series: Road and Pavement Maintenance in Poundbury -Who's Responsible?

timwilmot68
3 hours ago
3 min read

Following the positive response to our recent article on antisocial behaviour, we're continuing our Q&A series addressing the practical questions from Poundbury community members answered at the last General Meeting.

This Week's Question: Pavements and gutters on unadopted roads require regular maintenance, including leaf and weed clearance. Who has responsibility for this ongoing maintenance, and what is the process for addressing issues?

It's a great question—and one that highlights Poundbury's unique structure, which involves several organisations with distinct responsibilities.

The Quick Answer

When you're unsure who to contact, start with MANCOs at 01305 756968. They'll either handle it directly or redirect you to the right organisation.

Quick Contact Guide

Courtyards/Green Areas/MANCO Streets: MANCOs - 01305 756968
Unadopted Roads: Duchy of Cornwall - 01305 250533
Adopted Roads: Report online via Dorset Council's roads and highways page or call 01305 221000
Great Field and other Public Spaces under Town Council management: Dorchester Town Council - 01305 266861
Your Front Door Area: Your responsibility—taking pride in immediate surroundings helps maintain Poundbury's character

Understanding MANCOs

Most Poundbury residents belong to one of four Management Companies (MANCOs) maintaining shared spaces:

MANCO 1: The first phase of Poundbury, including Pummery Square
MANCO 2: The south east, north east and northern areas, including Crown Square
MANCO 3: The south west area and the Buttermarket and Queen Mother Square
MANCO 4: Northwest Quadrant (being established) and Saltash

MANCOs maintain communal green areas (where not a Dorchester Town Council remit), specific streets (including Holmead Walk) and courtyards, including their tree wells, courtyard lighting, and communal drainage. Annual charges typically range £200-320, covering these upkeep costs. To find your MANCO, check your annual fee request, your property deeds or contact Symonds & Sampson (01305 756968, mancos@symondsandsampson.co.uk).

Other Key Responsibilities

Duchy of Cornwall: Maintains unadopted roads and pavements or liaises with Developers where areas have not yet been handed over (01305 250533, poundbury@duchyofcornwall.org)
Dorset Council: Maintains adopted highways and pavements. Roads are adopted in phases over time. First, check if your road is adopted using Dorset Explorer:
- 1) Zoom in to Poundbury
- 2) Select 'Layers' from the icons on the right-hand side
- 3) Select 'Highways' then 'Adopted Roads' as appropriate

Once you've confirmed your road is adopted, report issues online via Dorset Council's roads and highways page. The online system lets you check if an issue has already been reported. Alternatively, call 01305 221000 or contact Cllr Richard Biggs directly at cllrrichard.biggs@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Dorchester Town Council: Maintains the Great Field and public play areas and will take on a small further number of public areas (01305 266861, enquiries@dorchester-tc.gov.uk)

Best Practice for Reporting Issues

For adopted roads: Check adoption status using Dorset Explorer first, then report online via Dorset Council
If uncertain: Start with Symonds & Sampson (01305 756968) or Duchy of Cornwall (01305 250533)
Provide specific location details
Include photos for clarity

Special Situations

Emergency hazards (fallen trees, flooding, etc.): Call 999
Seasonal maintenance queries (leaf clearance schedules, pruning, spraying): Contact Symonds & Sampson at 01305 756968 or the Duchy of Cornwall at 01305 250533, who can either address or provide the appropriate contact

Keep the Questions Coming

The response to our Q&A series shows there's real appetite for this practical information. We're building a comprehensive FAQ section on our website, and we'll be sharing selected articles on social media too.

Have a question about life in Poundbury? Email us at secretary@lovepoundbury.org and it might feature in a future general meeting and newsletter.

This answer is now available in our FAQ section for future reference.