Pothole problem? Not on our roads, says Shropshire highways chief

Councillor Steve Davenport denied there were any ‘no-go’ areas and said that workmen were on top of repairs using new machinery.

He rejected claims by cyclists of a crisis with deteriorating roads leading to extra danger.

Nick Jeggo, the organiser of Saturday’s Newport Nocturne cycle race, yesterday spoke of his concerns.

He told the Shropshire Star that some roads were simply too dangerous to venture on to and the problem was getting worse.

Mr Jeggo claimed that budget cuts meant potholes were not being repaired effectively.

But Councillor Davenport, a highways cabinet member on Shropshire Council, today said specialist machinery is being used to ensure roads are safe.

Freezing winters, culminating in the Beast from the East earlier this year, have added to the challenge facing crews tasked with maintaining roads.

But Councillor Davenport said: “The council is now on top of the problem with potholes.

“Driving around the county I can see that the problem is being dealt with and we are catching up with the problems. Plans have been in place before and we are now on top of the issue.”

Councillor Davenport also said that if people spotted any other major issues, including potholes over a certain depth, they should contact him immediately.

He added: “When potholes are over a certain depth – about 25mm – they become emergencies and we deal with them straight away.

“We have 5,500 kilometres of roads and we are getting around them.

‘Losing the battle’

“We have got new equipment taking on the work, we have a new machine that has come over from Ireland, which is a self-drive machine.

“We are continuing to tackle the problem and we are getting on top of the issue.”

The RAC recently claimed councils are ‘losing the battle’ against potholes.

It said vehicle breakdowns caused by damaged roads between April and June reached a three-year high.

Shropshire Council has revealed proposals that will see changes in the time it takes to repair potholes.

Under the changes, potholes on main roads more than two inches deep will take up to a week to fix compared to the current 24 hours.

Mr Jeggo said organised cycling events in Shropshire in the future may have to be cancelled because of the risk involved.

He said cyclists had seen a marked deterioration in the condition of Shropshire’s roads.

Tim Nelson, of Newport Cycling Club, said he supported Mr Jeggo’s concerns.

He said: “It isn’t just a problem here, it is national.

“Cars can go over them but cyclists have to swerve to avoid them – and that in turn creates a danger of going into traffic.”