Both the county councils responsible for the roads around Rye have announced plans to repair thousands of potholes. Kent County Council (KCC) says it will take until the autumn to complete the work, whilst in East Sussex the council is seeking approval to take five million pounds from reserves to put towards road repairs.
Kent – Local Democracy Reporter Simon Finlay
KCC said more than 26,000 potholes were reported across the county in the first 3 months of the year, with residents complaining many have remained unfixed for months.
Councillor David Brazier told a full meeting of the county council on July 13: “It’s a big issue for people – it’s perfectly understandable. Potholes damage cars, they are unsightly and make the roads appear uncared for.” He said the potholes would not be patched up until the autumn. “That’s what normally happens – it’s a yearly event.”
KCC admitted recently it had missed its own target for repairing potholes, blaming harsh weather conditions.
East Sussex – Local Democracy Reporter Huw Oxburgh
East Sussex County Council (ESCC) is set to invest an additional £15.7m in highway repairs this year, however this falls well short of £300m that council officers say is needed to raise all local roads to what they describe as a “good condition.” A meeting of the cabinet on June 27 agreed to ask to draw £5.6 from reserves and to increase the capital programme by £5.1m through borrowing. They also agreed to ask for full sign off for an extra £5m to make the county’s roads more resilient.
Councillor Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and environment, said: “Last winter we experienced the wettest November on record, followed by days below freezing in December and the wettest March for 40 years. This saw significant deterioration in the condition of the road surface, with over 15,000 potholes repaired since January.”
ESCC has a seven year £297m contract with Balfour Beatty Living Places to maintain the county’s roads. It began on May 1.
Worst road around Rye
Rye News wants to know which local road is most in need of urgent repair. The Harbour Road? The main road through Peasmarsh? Deadmans Lane? Or the approach to the river between Iden and Wittersham? Get in touch by email info@rynews.org.uk and if you can take a picture safely, send a photo in too.
Image Credits: James Stewart , KCC , ESCC .
I was driving along the road between Winchelsea and Rye on Tuesday. Nearly lost control of the car with one pothole that was full of rainwater. The only way to drive along there avoiding potholes is by swerving from side to side like a maniac. Not recommended when cars are coming in the opposite direction.