A PETITION has been launched calling for extra money to be ploughed into upgrading Redditch’s pothole-ridden roads.
More than 100 people have so far backed the move by Winyates residents Isabel and Richard Armstrong, calling for extra investment in the borough by Worcestershire County Council.
The Standard reported last month that more than 50 per cent of Worcestershire residents were unhappy with the state of the county’s roads, with just 31 per cent of Redditch residents believing they were in a satisfactory condition.
Mrs Armstrong, who is standing as an independent candidate in the Arrow Valley East by-election for Worcestershire County Council and along with her husband in next week’s Redditch Borough Council elections, said it was obvious roads and paths were being neglected.
“Residents run the risk of costly car repairs and being injured. Pedestrians and people using mobility scooters, wheelchairs and pushchairs are put at risk of having serious accidents.” she said.
“The council can waste time and money on sticking plaster repairs here or there but can’t do the job properly of maintaining to a good and reasonable standard our roads and paths.”
Highways bosses have admitted they are struggling to maintain the county’s road network despite increased levels of investment. This summer almost 50 roads in Redditch are being included in a £3.5million surface dressing programme to extend their life and an additional £500,000 was invested this year in highway maintenance across the county. Targeting spending on areas with a high level of concern is also being looked at.
The petition will be handed to the council at a future meeting.
Coun John Smith OBE, responsible for highways on the county council, said: “We are increasing spend on highways generally across the county but we will look at the areas they have got concerns about.”
