Driven to despair by potholes (From Swindon Advertiser)

Driven to despair by potholes

4:43pm Wednesday 30th January 2008 in News By Avantika Bhargava

A COUNCILLOR has challenged people to find the worst road surface in Swindon.

Coun Fay Howard (Lab, Parks) wants to start a campaign to get badly maintained roads resurfaced.

And she has got the challenge rolling by nominating Dulverton Avenue in Park North as the worst pothole ridden thoroughfare in Swindon.

"There are all these potholes on the road, and just the general surface condition is not good at all," said Coun Howard.

"You can actually lift the road up. I am pretty sure that Dulverton Avenue has probably the worst road surface in Swindon, but I know that there are probably more in areas all around the town.

"I don't think enough is being done for the roads in our area. How can we have a canal if our roads are being ignored? It is going to put more pressure on the roads and something needs to be done.

"I am hoping to get the two residents' associations in the area involved in this campaign as well."

Dulverton Avenue resident Mohammed Ali also feels strongly about the issue.

"One of these days, there is going to be an accident and someone is going to go to the council with hard evidence and then they will have to make a payout with taxpayers' hard earned money," he said.

A spokesman for Swindon Council said: "Resurfacing work to Dulverton Avenue is one of a number of high priority schemes which will be considered in the financial year beginning in April. We regularly inspect all roads that are due to be resurfaced to make sure they remain in a safe condition."