MP to keep up drive for councils to be equipped to tackle potholes
Roz Savage says the issue feeds a feeling that things are falling apart
An MP in Wiltshire is pledging to keep pushing the Government to ensure local authorities have everything they need to deal with potholes over the winter.
Roz Savage, for the South Cotswolds, says potholes are a common topic raised with her by constituents, telling us that she has run into issues because of them herself.
"I had three punctures in the first six months of last year, which cost a lot of money," she said. "So I absolutely get how annoying and upsetting they are."
She added that the state of roads have become a "visible symptom" for a general feeling that things across the country are "falling apart".
She said it leads to a feeling of little hope for the more complicated issues among communities.
Last week, Wiltshire Council said it has worries that the severe heat over the summer had stressed road surfaces, but the true impact wouldn't be seen until the winter, which could mean potholes becoming a more common issue.
In a bid to help council's make better long-term plans for road maintenance, authorities have been told how much they'll be getting from the Government each year until 2029.
Frustrations understood, but patience needed
Ms Savage said that she completely understands the annoyance of seeing a road closed so potholes can be fixed or the surface replaced.
But she's called for patience from the public as works are carried out, which are part of a significant programme of maintenance.
"We can't have it both ways," she said. "If things are going to get fixed, then occasionally that is going to mean some inconvenience."
The Lib Dem MP explained that she is facing longer travel times due to a route that she uses regularly being closed for four months over the winter. But she says the short-term pain needs to be taken for long-term gain.
She added that leaders at Wiltshire Council have roads at the forefront of their minds and are doing "everything they can".