What, no potholes? Shropshire Council report comes under fire
A Shropshire councillor responsible for highways has been criticised for a roads report – because it fails to mention potholes.
Portfolio holder for highways and transport, Councillor Steve Davenport, presented the annual report to Shropshire Council.
The document highlights key achievements over the last year, including bringing back Environmental Maintenance Grants and being awarded £3.88 million for the A52 near Market Drayton.
He said: "It's been a tough year to say the least. Most of my decisions have gone through scrutiny but such a lot has been achieved because of the work of our excellent officers.
"But of course, we do have some way to go."
But Councillor Roger Evans said he could not support the report because a number of key areas had not been addressed.
"For one, potholes have not even been mentioned," he said. "And I would like to know what the portfolio holder is doing about it.
"This report makes everything seem hunky dory when it is not."
Councillor Jonny Keeley added: "I would like to know why a pothole is not a priority before an accident but it is after one.
"My partner and baby were involved in a serious accident where the car hit a pothole and ripped the front left tyre. I'd been concerned about it for a long time, but nothing was done. It was then fixed the day after."
Councillor Davenport told members that another Roadmaster machine is coming over from Ireland next month to continue the council's work in tackling potholes, and urged councillors to send him pictures and details of any potholes that need repairing.
Questions about the Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Plan, which encompasses the roadworks on Shrewsbury's Pride Hill, were also raised.
Councillor Evans said: "It's a bomb site at the moment. Why is no one working on Pride Hill at night? I was told earlier this week it will take until December to complete. It's a mess and the retailers are suffering."
Councillor Davenport confirmed the work is scheduled to to finish in November.
He added: "I think most places would love to have £15 million spent on them. The results will be worth it when it's finished."
