Residents in Newsome fear deep potholes could cause a serious accident.

People living on Stile Common Road say the holes – some several inches deep – are causing problems for road users, writes Suzanna Bain.

They are worried cars, bikes and motorcycles could end up involved in accidents when they try to go round them instead of damaging their vehicles.

Resident Christine Battye said: “I’ve lived on this street for decades and the potholes are the worst I’ve ever seen them.

“Every time a car goes over one it shatters a bit more of the edges so the surface of the road is getting churned up and disintegrating.”

Mrs Battye contacted Kirklees Council in November to report the problem.

She received a reference number and then a letter dated December 10, thanking her for contacting the street repairs department and confirming the site would be inspected.

But upon phoning earlier this month Mrs Battye says no action appears to have been taken to improve the situation.

Mrs Battye says she’s seen a scooter swerve to avoid a pothole and is particularly concerned about other two-wheeled vehicles, such as cycles and motorbikes.

“The road is pretty busy as it’s near the university and lots of people use it to get about,” she said.

“Aside from looking ugly, which is a real shame given how proud we are to live here, the potholes are also becoming an increasing danger to locals and visitors because they could cause accidents.

We just wish the council would do something about mending them rather than letting things get worse.”

According to Mrs Battye, Kirklees Council undertook work on nearby Whitegate Road and Tunnacliffe Road a couple of years ago, but only ventured a few yards onto Stile Common Road.

A council spokesman said: “Annually we repair in the region of 25,000 potholes across the district and potholes can be reported online at www.kirklees.gov.uk/potholes or by calling 01484 414700. Any requests for pothole repairs to will be assessed and dealt with accordingly.

“With regards to Stile Common Road we were notified on November 4, 2013 that the road was full of potholes and dangerous.

“As no particular location was provided, a member of the safety team inspected the road and two potholes were identified as being in need of attention.

“This work was ordered and completed on November 26, 2013. We have not received any further reports of potholes on Stile Common Road.

“If any further issues are identified as part of the council’s routine safety inspections these will be recorded and attended to.”