Potholes must get higher priority - drivers' group
A MOTORING group in Bolton is calling for the council to do more to repair potholes.
The North-west has been ranked fifth nationally for the average number of potholes, with 16 per mile.
London had the highest number, at 64 per mile, with the eastern England the lowest, with just six, according to the annual Local Authority Road Maintenance Survey.
Roy Sammons, chairman of Bolton Advanced Motorists, said: "The council just patches up the worst of the holes.
"Local and national government should maintain the infrastructure that's been put in place. They need to carry out long-term repairs. Potholes damage cars and are even more dangerous for cyclists.
"Bolton Council should also ensure that utility companies restore roads when they have worked on them."
Council bosses insist cash is being pumped into improving the borough's roads.
They said £100,000 is earmarked for urgent road repairs this year, of which 40 per cent would be spent on repairing potholes.
A council spokesman said: "We record incidents of potholes, along with other defects in the road and footpaths, and not in isolation.
"In recent years, the number of defects reported to us have steadily decreased. However, last year was a particularly bad year due to the wet weather, which makes potholes worse."
The road maintenance survey, compiled by the Asphalt Industry Alliance, claimed £53 million was paid out in compensation claims last year for damage to vehicles or for road accidents because of poor road surfaces.
11:38am Sunday 6th April 2008
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CommentPosted by: soup, Bolton on 12:23pm Sun 6 Apr 08
Saw two guy come to fill one in near us, threw a spade full of tarmac in and just tamped it down with there feet and drove off. A waste of money and time. wonder how much including paper work that lot cost. Mind you off there books for another year now who care's not me or them.
Saw two guy come to fill one in near us, threw a spade full of tarmac in and just tamped it down with there feet and drove off. A waste of money and time. wonder how much including paper work that lot cost. Mind you off there books for another year now who care's not me or them.
Posted by: Brian, Bolton on 12:45pm Sun 6 Apr 08
£100,000 earmarked for urgent road repairs!!!
40% FOR POTHOLES
NOT A VAST SUM IS IT?
Wonder what they spend the profit of parking fines on,perhaps it could go towards the pothole problem!!!
£100,000 earmarked for urgent road repairs!!!
40% FOR POTHOLES
NOT A VAST SUM IS IT?
Wonder what they spend the profit of parking fines on,perhaps it could go towards the pothole problem!!!
Posted by: abbott71, bolton on 2:12pm Sun 6 Apr 08
the roads around bolton are some of the worse and i travel quite a few miles in a year...perhaps if we started claiming compensation from the council in relation to the damage to our cars we might get somewhere....after hitting a hole in the road recently i had to have my tracking done....!!!!you d only need a couple of hundred residents to do that and they would be in financial ruin,when are the idiots in the town hall going to listen we ve had enough....
the roads around bolton are some of the worse and i travel quite a few miles in a year...perhaps if we started claiming compensation from the council in relation to the damage to our cars we might get somewhere....after hitting a hole in the road recently i had to have my tracking done....!!!!you d only need a couple of hundred residents to do that and they would be in financial ruin,when are the idiots in the town hall going to listen we ve had enough....
Posted by: badboi, Bolton on 4:11pm Sun 6 Apr 08
Exactly the same thing happens where I live - potholes filled in and within a year, it's time to do it again - at the same spot! I spose we won't be seeing Cllr Peel replying to this thread anytime soon. Even he wouldn't be able to paint a rosey picture out of this one!
Exactly the same thing happens where I live - potholes filled in and within a year, it's time to do it again - at the same spot! I spose we won't be seeing Cllr Peel replying to this thread anytime soon. Even he wouldn't be able to paint a rosey picture out of this one!
Posted by: John on 4:41pm Sun 6 Apr 08
The roads around Bolton are in a pathetic state. Grids and manholes are sinking because of the inferior concrete sections use. When I first worked for a "utility" firm, the wall sections around these covers were made of good concrete. Then came that rusty old cow "Thatcher" and privatised everything. The sections were then made out of the weakest and cheapest form of concrete possible. You only had to drop one and it broke. When a manhole cover sinks, the council should throw the job back to the "utility" firm and claim "failed apparatus". The last week in Bolton, the council has had Coronation Street refurbished. This is virtually a back street. Ridiculous with all the potholes and sunken manhole and grids in the main roads. It makes you think, what a load of crap councillors we have, or is somebody on the "take".
The roads around Bolton are in a pathetic state. Grids and manholes are sinking because of the inferior concrete sections use. When I first worked for a "utility" firm, the wall sections around these covers were made of good concrete. Then came that rusty old cow "Thatcher" and privatised everything. The sections were then made out of the weakest and cheapest form of concrete possible. You only had to drop one and it broke. When a manhole cover sinks, the council should throw the job back to the "utility" firm and claim "failed apparatus". The last week in Bolton, the council has had Coronation Street refurbished. This is virtually a back street. Ridiculous with all the potholes and sunken manhole and grids in the main roads. It makes you think, what a load of crap councillors we have, or is somebody on the "take".
Posted by: chas, suffolk on 5:12pm Sun 6 Apr 08
16 per mile. I should imagine potholers must come from miles away to go down them?
16 per mile. I should imagine potholers must come from miles away to go down them?
Posted by: Tommy on 5:18pm Sun 6 Apr 08
The worst pothole road in Bolton right now is Bark Street. I know there's building work going on but come on, its awful to drive over.
Also, I'd like to mention the top of Mornington Road, just in that ridiculous "Traffic Control" ditch.
Also on Blenheim Road on its junction with Bury road is especially awful.
The worst pothole road in Bolton right now is Bark Street. I know there's building work going on but come on, its awful to drive over.
Also, I'd like to mention the top of Mornington Road, just in that ridiculous "Traffic Control" ditch.
Also on Blenheim Road on its junction with Bury road is especially awful.
Posted by: Cllr Nick Peel. on 5:21pm Sun 6 Apr 08
[quote][bold]badboi[/bold] wrote:
Exactly the same thing happens where I live - potholes filled in and within a year, it's time to do it again - at the same spot! I spose we won't be seeing Cllr Peel replying to this thread anytime soon. Even he wouldn't be able to paint a rosey picture out of this one![/quote] Hi badboi,
we've been here before.
The last time you challenged me, I asked you to get in touch with me and let me know the particular streets you are talking about as they may be on a planned programme. I was expecting you to contact me, but you didnt. So I ask you again. You can remain annonymous if you wish.
Its impossible for me to take on casework via the Bolton News. My email is in the scene, get in touch with me. Let me know what response you got when you contacted the town hall, or your councillors and I will take it from there.
PS - Sorry Bolton News but you have printed it wrong again. It isnt £100,000 for emergency repairs this financial year! Its £100,000 extra for emergency repairs, taking the budget to £678,000 for that catergory.
badboi wrote:
Exactly the same thing happens where I live - potholes filled in and within a year, it's time to do it again - at the same spot! I spose we won't be seeing Cllr Peel replying to this thread anytime soon. Even he wouldn't be able to paint a rosey picture out of this one!
Hi badboi,
we've been here before.
The last time you challenged me, I asked you to get in touch with me and let me know the particular streets you are talking about as they may be on a planned programme. I was expecting you to contact me, but you didnt. So I ask you again. You can remain annonymous if you wish.
Its impossible for me to take on casework via the Bolton News. My email is in the scene, get in touch with me. Let me know what response you got when you contacted the town hall, or your councillors and I will take it from there.
PS - Sorry Bolton News but you have printed it wrong again. It isnt £100,000 for emergency repairs this financial year! Its £100,000 extra for emergency repairs, taking the budget to £678,000 for that catergory.
Posted by: Cllr Nick Peel. on 5:27pm Sun 6 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Tommy[/bold] wrote:
The worst pothole road in Bolton right now is Bark Street. I know there's building work going on but come on, its awful to drive over. Also, I'd like to mention the top of Mornington Road, just in that ridiculous "Traffic Control" ditch. Also on Blenheim Road on its junction with Bury road is especially awful.[/quote] Thanks Tommy, this is exactly what I'm after.
I can confirm that both Bark Street and the location at Blenheim Road you mention are both on the resurfacing programme for this year. I dont think we as a Council do a very good job in letting people know about planned works, and I'm going to see what can be done about this. Maybe ask the Bolton News to publish the entire programme up front?
Get in touch with your local councillors about Mornington Road.
Regards
Nick Peel
Tommy wrote:
The worst pothole road in Bolton right now is Bark Street. I know there's building work going on but come on, its awful to drive over. Also, I'd like to mention the top of Mornington Road, just in that ridiculous "Traffic Control" ditch. Also on Blenheim Road on its junction with Bury road is especially awful.
Thanks Tommy, this is exactly what I'm after.
I can confirm that both Bark Street and the location at Blenheim Road you mention are both on the resurfacing programme for this year. I dont think we as a Council do a very good job in letting people know about planned works, and I'm going to see what can be done about this. Maybe ask the Bolton News to publish the entire programme up front?
Get in touch with your local councillors about Mornington Road.
Regards
Nick Peel
Posted by: Parishioner, Farnworth on 6:11pm Sun 6 Apr 08
The potholes in and around Bolton are lethal to cyclists. I have lost count of the number of times I have almost come off my bike due to hitting unexpected potholes, especially around drains and manhole covers. The ones I have reported have simply been roughly tarmaced, which comes loose again after a couple of weeks, causing more of a hazard than in the first place. Cycling along Nelson Street, leading out of Bolton towards Farnworth is like navigating an obstacle course.
The potholes in and around Bolton are lethal to cyclists. I have lost count of the number of times I have almost come off my bike due to hitting unexpected potholes, especially around drains and manhole covers. The ones I have reported have simply been roughly tarmaced, which comes loose again after a couple of weeks, causing more of a hazard than in the first place. Cycling along Nelson Street, leading out of Bolton towards Farnworth is like navigating an obstacle course.
Posted by: soup, Bolton on 6:49pm Sun 6 Apr 08
'potholes filled in and within a year, it's time to do it again' employ the firm full time most don't last a third of that time. Take a drive down Church Lane, Wingates after a nice Sunday and see the collection of hub caps the pot holes around the speed humps claim.
'potholes filled in and within a year, it's time to do it again' employ the firm full time most don't last a third of that time. Take a drive down Church Lane, Wingates after a nice Sunday and see the collection of hub caps the pot holes around the speed humps claim.
Posted by: werty, bolton on 10:22pm Sun 6 Apr 08
driving on the left hand pavement should sort out the problem, unless someone has a brighter idea.
driving on the left hand pavement should sort out the problem, unless someone has a brighter idea.
Posted by: badboi, Bolton on 11:05pm Sun 6 Apr 08
[quote]The last time you challenged me, I asked you to get in touch with me and let me know the particular streets you are talking about as they may be on a planned programme. I was expecting you to contact me, but you didnt. So I ask you again. You can remain annonymous if you wish.[/quote]
I didn't see the last message you refer to above - sorry. However, it's not just one street affected. It's not just one area affected. What we are trying to say here Cllr Peel is that the roads of Bolton as a whole have been neglected. The story above just corraborates what I and many other thought anyway. Why has it happened? Because not enough of the taxpayers money is spent on the road. Instead, what we get is a crossing for horses given more priority.
The last time you challenged me, I asked you to get in touch with me and let me know the particular streets you are talking about as they may be on a planned programme. I was expecting you to contact me, but you didnt. So I ask you again. You can remain annonymous if you wish.
I didn't see the last message you refer to above - sorry. However, it's not just one street affected. It's not just one area affected. What we are trying to say here Cllr Peel is that the roads of Bolton as a whole have been neglected. The story above just corraborates what I and many other thought anyway. Why has it happened? Because not enough of the taxpayers money is spent on the road. Instead, what we get is a crossing for horses given more priority.
Posted by: poindexter, Bolton on 7:41am Mon 7 Apr 08
Cll Nick Peel mentions that Blenheim road (small part adjoining Bury Road) is in the 'resurfacing programme' for this year then why oh why was it not done when all the resurfacing equipment was on Long Lane surely this would have been more cost effective to do it at the same time after all its the next street down!!!
Cll Nick Peel mentions that Blenheim road (small part adjoining Bury Road) is in the 'resurfacing programme' for this year then why oh why was it not done when all the resurfacing equipment was on Long Lane surely this would have been more cost effective to do it at the same time after all its the next street down!!!
Posted by: poindexter, Bolton on 7:44am Mon 7 Apr 08
Cll Nick Peel mentions that Blenheim road (small part adjoining Bury Road) is in the 'resurfacing programme' for this year then why oh why was it not done when all the resurfacing equipment was on Long Lane surely this would have been more cost effective to do it at the same time after all its the next street down!!!
Cll Nick Peel mentions that Blenheim road (small part adjoining Bury Road) is in the 'resurfacing programme' for this year then why oh why was it not done when all the resurfacing equipment was on Long Lane surely this would have been more cost effective to do it at the same time after all its the next street down!!!
Posted by: poindexter, Bolton on 7:44am Mon 7 Apr 08
Cll Nick Peel mentions that Blenheim road (small part adjoining Bury Road) is in the 'resurfacing programme' for this year then why oh why was it not done when all the resurfacing equipment was on Long Lane surely this would have been more cost effective to do it at the same time after all its the next street down!!!
Cll Nick Peel mentions that Blenheim road (small part adjoining Bury Road) is in the 'resurfacing programme' for this year then why oh why was it not done when all the resurfacing equipment was on Long Lane surely this would have been more cost effective to do it at the same time after all its the next street down!!!
Posted by: easyroy, daubhill bolton on 10:14am Mon 7 Apr 08
the council workmen dont know how to fill pot holes properly .They should be squared off dug out stoned based then tarmaced with decent tarmac . they just put a spade full in the hole then press it down with there spade or stamp on it, AND THEY CALL THE GYPSEYS COWBOYS get the men in who can do the job properly and you will have less problems
the council workmen dont know how to fill pot holes properly .They should be squared off dug out stoned based then tarmaced with decent tarmac . they just put a spade full in the hole then press it down with there spade or stamp on it, AND THEY CALL THE GYPSEYS COWBOYS get the men in who can do the job properly and you will have less problems
Posted by: Brak, Bolton on 10:33am Mon 7 Apr 08
Chorley New Road is in a state too near Tudor Av end.
Also, there was a pot hole filled at the bottom of Chorley Old Road (near Gaskell St) which anyone with half a brain could see it was the worst temp job ever!
As for that bit on Mornington Rd - go round. I wish they would close it off as the amount of people who think it is their right of way when all I want to do is park outside my house and not have idiots driving past and being so stupid to cause road blocks which lead to frequent beeping of horns and people getting out of their cars to shout at each other. Have some consideration for the residents please if u have to drive down there!!
Cllr Nick Peel - is there anything that can be done?
Chorley New Road is in a state too near Tudor Av end.
Also, there was a pot hole filled at the bottom of Chorley Old Road (near Gaskell St) which anyone with half a brain could see it was the worst temp job ever!
As for that bit on Mornington Rd - go round. I wish they would close it off as the amount of people who think it is their right of way when all I want to do is park outside my house and not have idiots driving past and being so stupid to cause road blocks which lead to frequent beeping of horns and people getting out of their cars to shout at each other. Have some consideration for the residents please if u have to drive down there!!
Cllr Nick Peel - is there anything that can be done?
Posted by: Tommy on 11:13am Mon 7 Apr 08
[quote]
As for that bit on Mornington Rd - go round. I wish they would close it off as the amount of people who think it is their right of way when all I want to do is park outside my house and not have idiots driving past and being so stupid to cause road blocks which lead to frequent beeping of horns and people getting out of their cars to shout at each other.[/quote]
Yeah, i try my best to go round. Although the quickest way to do this is via the backstreet of Ash Grove, coming onto Lonsdale road. It's quicker, but very risky because of reduced visibility round the corner.
I feel sorry for you living there, Brak. It must be awful having to wake up and see that crappy mill every morning.
As for that bit on Mornington Rd - go round. I wish they would close it off as the amount of people who think it is their right of way when all I want to do is park outside my house and not have idiots driving past and being so stupid to cause road blocks which lead to frequent beeping of horns and people getting out of their cars to shout at each other.
Yeah, i try my best to go round. Although the quickest way to do this is via the backstreet of Ash Grove, coming onto Lonsdale road. It's quicker, but very risky because of reduced visibility round the corner.
I feel sorry for you living there, Brak. It must be awful having to wake up and see that crappy mill every morning.
Posted by: Brak, Bolton on 11:22am Mon 7 Apr 08
[quote]I feel sorry for you living there, Brak. It must be awful having to wake up and see that crappy mill every morning.[/quote]
U should see my other half!!
Only joking, love. Thankfully I've got stunner.
We're actually moving this week and it can't come soon enough!
I feel sorry for you living there, Brak. It must be awful having to wake up and see that crappy mill every morning.
U should see my other half!!
Only joking, love. Thankfully I've got stunner.
We're actually moving this week and it can't come soon enough!
Posted by: Brak, Bolton on 12:08pm Mon 7 Apr 08
Haha!
[italic]Blackburn and England midfielder David Bentley admits he is obsessed - with DIY. "I've been taking up tiles and knocking down walls, mending the potholes on my drive. I've got a strict DIY 24-hour ban before a match because it tires you out." (Daily Mail)[/italic]
Haha!
Blackburn and England midfielder David Bentley admits he is obsessed - with DIY. "I've been taking up tiles and knocking down walls, mending the potholes on my drive. I've got a strict DIY 24-hour ban before a match because it tires you out." (Daily Mail) Posted by: nibarb, bolton on 11:03pm Mon 7 Apr 08
no wonder it cost so much to fill potholes there is one on nelson st opposit lever st which has been repaired over and over again for at least the last 12yrs it must have cost thousands over that period of time and I know this for sure as I have reported it many times as being a hazard to cyclist this shody work that the council carry out only last afew weeks or months before they are back to what they were I was always told they are temperary repairs but surely it would be more cost affective to do a perminant one in the first place but that's common sense which is something thats sadly lacking in the highways department.
no wonder it cost so much to fill potholes there is one on nelson st opposit lever st which has been repaired over and over again for at least the last 12yrs it must have cost thousands over that period of time and I know this for sure as I have reported it many times as being a hazard to cyclist this shody work that the council carry out only last afew weeks or months before they are back to what they were I was always told they are temperary repairs but surely it would be more cost affective to do a perminant one in the first place but that's common sense which is something thats sadly lacking in the highways department.
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