Pot hole concerns highlighted by MP
Safety concerns have been raised over two massive potholes, one of which is as long as the local MP’s arm. Sir Bernard Jenkin, Conservative MP for Harwich and North Essex, has highlighted problems on Essex roads, particularly on Colne Road in Brightlingsea and Mill Road in Fordham.
Colne Road’s massive pothole sits in the centre of the road, with one side mostly full of parked cars, while Mill Road’s pothole is even bigger, with the sharp edges of a drainage gate within it.
Sir Bernard has raised concerns over the state of Essex’s roads and has called on residents to report the potholes to Essex County Council to ensure they are fixed.
He said: “I share everyone’s frustration with the potholes, and I have even been approached by someone with a new system for mending them. That would address the quality of repairs. But I do urge people to keep reporting potholes on the Essex County Council website. I do that a lot if I see a really bad one. I know how frustrating, and sometimes dangerous, damaged roads can be for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.”
It comes as the county council, which is responsible for roads and pavements, announced it will be receiving £168 million from the Government for road repairs until 2029/30.
Residents blasted the county council for the potholes highlighted by the longstanding MP. Trevor Philips, 67, said: “The state of these roads is shocking, the council is not doing anything about it. It needs to be dealt with now! A cyclist could be very seriously hurt, and the damage to our cars is so expensive.”
Essex Highways, the roads department of Essex County Council, said it must address the most critical issues first, and all road problems are assessed accordingly. The spokesman added: “It is sometimes necessary for us to carry out temporary ‘make-safe’ repairs. These let us work quickly to protect residents while long-term solutions are put in place. We greatly appreciate residents’ patience and encourage them to track any issues reported to us via our online track-it tool.”