Council working to get to grips with potholes
West Berkshire Council's Highway's Service is working hard to address the difficulties created by the proliferation of potholes on the districts road network.
Issued on: 05 February 2013.
Severely inclement weather, ice and snow, combined with extremely high groundwater levels caused by almost unprecedented rainfall has taken a considerable toll on the roads. The situation is in no way unique to West Berkshire. Most districts and counties across the country are facing similar problems.
Highways engineers are doing what they can to create faster and longer lasting repairs to meet current demand and have an extensive programme in place for the permanent repair of potholes. The Council is also looking to invest £4.2 million in 2013/14 to improve the condition of West Berkshire's roads. However, at present, the Council's Highway engineer's can only do what technology, available materials, weather and finance allows.
Keith Chopping, West Berkshire's Executive Councillor for Highway's said: "I can understand the frustration of drivers. The Council is equally frustrated with the rate at which potholes are appearing, making it extremely difficult to keep up with repairs. It is worth bearing in mind that We have around,1200km of road to look after, far more than any of the other authorities in Berkshire. I feel that out Highways engineers and contractors are doing an extremely good job in very difficult circumstances."
The Council's pothole guidance can be viewed on its website via http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=4696 and residents can help by identifying where the problems are and reporting them via the homepage of www.westberks.gov.uk
