Condition of local roads is a ‘real concern’ for many Saddleworth residents says MP after Saddleworth News investigation
A large pothole over 4 inches deep on Huddersfield Road in Diggle
Reporter: Stuart Littleford
Debbie Abrahams MP has said the state of the roads in Saddleworth is a “real concern” for many local residents after the issue was highlighted by Saddleworth News.
Saddleworth News investigated after being contacted by a number of local residents who expressed their concerns over an increasing number of potholes and ruts on roads in the area as well as the generally poor road condition of some road surfaces.
We have reported on pothole and road surface issues in the past, but in recent months the situation appears to have worsened, according to many of the local readers who contacted us.
Saddleworth News went out to inspect some of the roads in Saddleworth last week that had been reported to us and took a number of photographs on the day.
We found that residents’ concerns appeared to be justified and that there is an issue with poor road surfaces in general and an increased number of more significant potholes.
A high number of these potholes we saw were over an inch deep and many were over two inches deep. A small number of the potholes on some roads were up to four inches deep with some even deeper.
One example of this was a large deep pothole going up Huddersfield Road in Diggle toward Standedge that presented a real risk of injury to cyclists and motorcyclists as well as being potentially damaging to most other road vehicles.
Saddleworth News reported this pothole due to the potential danger it presented even though this is not regarded as a priority route for road repairs by Oldham Council.
One local resident who didn’t want to be named told us: “The roads are really bad now in Saddleworth and there doesn’t appear to be much that’s getting done about them, the council repair the potholes but they appear again soon afterwards.
“We pay quite high council tax in this area and I’m not sure we are getting good value for our money.”
Another resident told us he thought the local roads were “simply a disgrace” but also said he understood that council budgets have been slashed in recent years and the resulting lack of maintenance over these years is now catching up – especially with the wetter climate we have.
Poor road surface and markings near to the Royal George in Greenfield
Prolonged periods of wet weather and past flooding issues have contributed to the condition of many of the road surfaces and most potholes are now being repeatedly filled only to become loose again later.
A classic example of this is on Station Road in Uppermill with numerous pothole repairs that only last a few weeks.
Although the maintenance of roads is a council issue Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth and Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, has been approached by some local residents.
Debbie told Saddleworth News: “I’m very aware that since 2009 Oldham Council has been forced to save more than £200 million, meaning there are very tight restrictions on its budget, but the state of the roads is a real concern for many Saddleworth residents.
Deep pothole on Sam Road in Diggle, Hudderfield Road and A62 at Delph
“Whenever I get issues like this raised with me by residents, whether it’s potholes, drains, retaining walls, culverts or the general condition of a road, I contact the council for them to follow up and provide me with actions they will take to address the issues faced by residents.
“The key message from the council is if you see a pothole please report it as this will help their staff prioritise the work required.”
Helen Lockwood, Oldham Council Executive Director of Economy, Skills and Neighbourhoods, told Saddleworth News: “Our Highways team work seven days a week on our 817 kilometres of road to keep the borough moving.
Potholes and ruts in Uppermill, Delph and Dobcross
“We prioritise certain routes – mainly gateways and corridors to the town centre – and we provide a 24-hour repair promise on these.
“With our location, high on the Pennine plateau, our roads are more susceptible to cold and wet weather damage than other boroughs.
“This means potholes will appear and we are aware of this. If you see one – report it to us. We have a fantastic team of trained, dedicated staff working on our roads.”
To report a pothole, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/forms/form/200/en/pothole_report_form
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
If you would like to share an interesting story, achievement, photo or something you just want to happily shout about please send it in an email to hello@saddleworthlife.com We'd ❤ to hear from you!!
