{"id":230,"date":"2016-01-20T11:21:57","date_gmt":"2016-01-20T11:21:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/devonhighways\/?page_id=230"},"modified":"2026-03-13T15:27:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T15:27:06","slug":"self-help-and-community-support-schemes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/devonhighways\/self-help\/self-help-and-community-support-schemes","title":{"rendered":"Self-help and community support schemes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Local councils and community organisations can carry out a range of highway maintenance tasks through the Road Warden Scheme<\/b><\/a>. These activities focus mainly on preventative maintenance<\/b>, such as clearing drainage features to help reduce standing water and prevent winter damage to the road surface. By carrying out these small but important tasks, communities can help keep their local roads in better condition and reduce avoidable deterioration.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some self\u2011help activities<\/b> may also be carried out outside the Road Warden Scheme, but these must be agreed in advance<\/b>, and volunteers will not benefit from the advantages of being part of the Road Warden Scheme. These advantages include access to training, guidance and method statements, support from a Neighbourhood Highway Officer, and third\u2011party liability cover for approved works carried out in line with the Road Warden Agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Devon County Council prioritises its highway maintenance work in line with its available budget and the criteria set out in our Highway Asset Management approach<\/a>. This ensures we meet our statutory responsibilities and focus resources where they are needed most. In some situations, local councils and community organisations may choose to self\u2011deliver certain works<\/b> if they wish to achieve a higher level of service than we are required to provide. Where this is appropriate, we will work with you to discuss proposals and ensure any activity is carried out safely and in line with relevant guidance. Any proposals of this kind should always be discussed with your Neighbourhood Highway Officer<\/b> first.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local councils and community organisations can help maintain the public rights of way network through the\u00a0<\/a>Parish Paths Partnership (P3) Scheme<\/a><\/b>, which supports communities to look after their local paths and keep them accessible.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communities can also take part in schemes that strengthen local resilience during extreme weather conditions, including:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n