‘We have not seen highways team since’
RESIDENTS who first reported potholes on a busy country road months ago have now called for urgent action to repair them.
John and Ursula Hughes said that they first complained about the potholes in Coalpitford Lane, Cheddleton two years ago.
Mr Hughes said: “There a lot of potholes all over the road.
“They are very dangerous especially to motor bike riders and cyclists.
“This is a narrow, but busy road. There are even large lorries using the road as sat navs send them down the highway.
“There have been punctures to several vehicles and tyres damaged as some of them are deep. It can also put the steering of vehicles out of track.
“We first reported the potholes two years ago. A half hearted attempt was made to some, then the highways team left, but said they would be back. We have not seen them since.”
Now Mrs Hughes has received an email from the highways team stating that the issue is not considered to be a high risk to the public.
The highway team email said: “A highways inspector has now assessed the site and arranged for repairs to be carried out.
“The reported issue is not considered to be a high risk to public safety and so the repairs will be grouped with similar works in the area in order to be as efficient and cost effective as possible.
“Currently over 50 per cent of these repairs take place within 60 days. The remaining defects are repaired as soon as resources are available.
“You will receive a further email when the works have been completed. You can also check on the progress of your report online at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/reportit
“Time scales for repairs are determined by the defect’s location, size and ultimately, the risk the defect poses to public safety.
“Currently 97 per cent per cent of the most urgent defects are repaired within seven days. However, the majority of reported defects are inspected and categorised as non-urgent and, to be as efficient and cost effective as possible, these repairs are grouped by location and work type. Currently over 50 per cent of these lower risk repairs take place within 60 days.”
The Post & Times contacted Staffordshire County Council regarding the issue.
Helen Fisher, cabinet member for highways and transport at Staffordshire County Council said: “We do have a huge road network here in Staffordshire, with around 6,000km of roads and these are inspected regularly by our team of highway inspectors.
“We are also investing an additional five million pounds in road maintenance this year, on top of an extra £5m last year which helped fix over 31,000 potholes.
“Crews are aware of the issues on the lane and hope to be able to make repairs before the end of the month.”