I WAS amazed, but not surprised, to read Cllr David Chadwick’s letter attempting to justify the horrendous condition of Bolton’s streets and highways.

Quoting national statistics on what constitutes a pothole worthy of repair from behind a desk is pathetic when so many of our highways are third world, to say the least.

Cllr Chadwick needs to spend a few days driving around Bolton where he would see the level of disrepair at first hand, and perhaps speak to taxi drivers who have to endure the conditions day-long, week after week.

The other issue he conveniently misses is that even when potholes pass the criteria for being repaired, the vast majority are filled with the cheapest grit and tar that erode within months, leaving even deeper potholes for motorists to manoeuvre around.

Cllr Chadwick needs to take his head out of the sand, acknowledge the true facts, and take action to address the situation.

Tony Hutchinson

Smithills