Cheshire East Council says its highways service is working flat out to deal with the increasing number of road defects caused by fluctuating winter temperatures.
Each day, Cheshire East Highways teams are repairing an average of 150 road defects, including potholes, and re-surfacing up to 300 square metres of highway.
The council says that it recognises that residents are concerned about the number of potholes appearing on our roads and their highways service is working throughout the borough to address the problem on a priority basis.
The council is directing additional resources by increasing the number of teams tackling potholes from 12 to 19.
Councillor Don Stockton, cabinet member with responsibility for highways, said: "We are in a similar position to many other local authorities.
"Repeated fluctuations in weather conditions – from above to below freezing – coupled with heavy rainfall, create the worst possible conditions for road surfaces, and result in an increase in the number of potholes.
"I would like our residents to be aware that we are working each day to address this problem. However, cold and wet weather conditions are not conducive to carrying out effective and lasting repairs. This means that in order to ensure the roads remain safe, some of the works are of a temporary nature.
"It has always been our policy, and that of other authorities, to work this way. The bulk of our annual road repair budget is invested in the summer months when working conditions are better and we can deliver longer, lasting repairs.
"All reported potholes and road defects are inspected and we have directed additional resources towards tackling the problem. We have a code of practice which states that necessary repairs are completed within a specified timescale and we have a reporting tool on the Cheshire East highways website so that our residents can alert us to a new defect.
"Over the last four years, we have invested £35m to maintain our road network and we will continue to invest in our roads to make them safe."
People can report any issues directly to the Council via their online reporting tool or by calling 0300 1235020.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
This stretch of road has potholes which are capable of seriously damaging cars - and they seem to have arisen very quickly. The holes are so large that motorists are veering from side to side as they weave their way between the potholes.
I know the weather is being blamed but this just seems wrong. I am not an expert but the holes seem too numerous and too deep for this to be a reason. I suspect substandard materials were used originally.
Over a period of 20 months I've lost count of the makshift fill and tamp repairs to a recurring pothole(s) at the intersection of Marlow Drive but it probably runs to the low teens.
Eventually, just before Christmas a contractor (the same one from Stockport who carried out the majority of the previous repairs...) came along with three trucks and a gang of experts, closed the road and cut out the complete width section so all the crumbling old foundations etc. were eliminated, kerbs aligned and replaced the lot, sealed seams, the full works.
Appears to have done the trick, time will tell - but how many call-out charges has the contractor racked up meantime. Is that CEC's fault or that of the happy contractor?
I think we met at the Lidl Sumnerfields Village planning meeting on 14/2/18 ?
I am no road construction expert but like you, I am very concerned about the state of Dean Row Rd. Even our well sprung SUV struggles with the dips and bumps
So heaven knows how smaller vehicles and cyclists cope. Like you I have seen cars weaving around holes to avoid tyre and suspension damage.
Does anybody know what the score is for reporting damage to CE ?
Regards,
Martin
Summerfields Village Residents
Remember all of this at the next election, vote independent, vote Residents of Wilmslow.
A friend of mine is currently black and blue, bruised and battered after hitting a pothole on his bike.
Try using Fix My Street to get things done.
Summerfields Village
Well your reporting the holes on Dean Row Summerfields Village worked, the Cheshire East contractors were here today so thanks !
I know Cheshire East are under the spotlight at the moment (senior management suspension, manipulated air quality data, accusations of bullying, dubious planning , not listening to residents etc)
But, at least when it comes to filling up the pot holes then they are having a go aren't they ?
Handforth
Let's hope the road contractor's next port of call is the exit road from the Paddock car park.
It's downright dangerous. Little wonder poor old Handforth continues to struggle retail wise and under trade.
Not many motorists would put their suspension to that degree of risk. Very sad isn't it ?
Regards,
Martin Kitchin