Kirklees Council defeated by potholes patch up plan: 4394 reported in February alone

Mar 20 2010 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

However, readers have contacted the Examiner in the last two months to complain about serious problems on the 1,200 miles of road in Kirklees.

A snapshot survey revealed many were in an appalling state. Smithy Lane in Moldgreen runs for only 120 metres but has more than 120 potholes littering its surface.

Other pothole hotspots include King’s Mill Lane in Newsome, Manchester Road in Linthwaite and Bradley Road in Bradley.

Local authorities, employers and homeowners are counting the cost of Britain’s “big freeze” in the form of repairs to potholes and cracked pipes.

Kirklees is not alone in waging war on the potholes.

Across the UK, councils faces bills of millions of pounds to try and repair the ravages of winter, while drivers face huge repair bills for repairs to their cars.

Institution of Civil Engineers vice-president Geoff French said the thaw had brought little respite, with drivers having to cope with increasing numbers of potholes.

The continuous cycle of freezing and thawing – particularly on roads where long-term maintenance had been neglected – had broken up road surfaces, he said.

To report a pothole to Kirklees call 0800 731 8765 or visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/answers/road_ maintenance/potholes.shtml