A GROUP of campaigners are celebrating after winning an nine-year battle to get their road repaired.

People living on Woodlea Avenue at Oakes have had to live with a buckled, uneven surface on their unadopted road for years.

But now, after help from Kirklees Council, they have a new, flat surface on their street.

The residents attended a grand opening of the road with contractor Philip Gooder, Kirklees Council’s Cabinet member for highways, Clr Martyn Bolt, and ward councillor Tony Brice.

House builders Persimmon built the road as part of a new development, but Kirklees refused to adopt it when the surface started to buckle and warp.

Persimmon made regular repairs, but the problem continued. In 2004, residents contacted Clr Brice and, together with the council’s highways department, he began talks with Persimmon, who finally got contractors to repair the road.

Clr Brice said: “Persimmon found out the problem was due to steel slag in the surfacing, which expands in certain conditions.

“But they blamed sub-contractors, who blamed the suppliers. So there was a long legal process. But after litigation and legal advice there was an agreement to repair the road.

“They have done a fantastic job and everybody’s happy now.”

Sheila Taylor, a resident at Woodlea Avenue, said: “Only when Clr Brice came on board did the builders start listening to our concerns.

“Latterly, when highways officials also began to talk with the builders, this satisfactory conclusion came about.

“The contractors, Rouse, who came on the site in March, worked effectively on the initial preparations, easily beating the 22-week target. Tarmac, who completed the surfacing, have to be congratulated.”

It is hoped the council will adopt the road now the work has been completed.