News from Castle Point Labour

Labour’s Castle Point candidate slams Conservative Council’s potholes

The recent cold weather, which still shows no sign of abating, has made the already poor state of the roads in Castle Point worse.

“Any road user will point out just how shockingly poor they are,” said Labour candidate Julian Ware-Lane. “One resident told me that the potholes in his road had caused several hundred pounds worth of damage.”

Road maintenance is largely the responsibility of either Essex County Council and, to a lesser degree, Castle Point Borough Council, with major arterial routes being looked after by the Highways Agency.

In the drive to lower costs to taxpayers the Conservative-run local authorities have spoiled the ship for a ha’p'orth of tar.

Roads that are diligently maintained, with appropriate surface dressing, will not damage in the way that has been seen this year. The potholes and surface damage seen in most roads in the Borough are not just a recent occurrence. Although this very cold winter has made a bad situation worse, it has been bad for several years.

Year on year neglect is responsible for the state of the roads in Castle Point.

“Some residents have claimed the poor state of their roads is a situation dating back many years” said Julian, “a clearly unacceptable situation. I have had people tell me that they cannot recall when the holes were last looked at.”

“The roads are becoming eyesores, are starting to damage vehicles, and in some places are dangerous.”

“We cannot reverse past poor funding decisions, but I can hope that this year those in charge will take that responsibility seriously and institute a rolling program of proper care and maintenance” added Julian. “Castle Point deserves better than the cheapest and nastiest solution to its road maintenance issues.”

Other news from Castle Point Labour

• Labour's Castle Point candidate joins campaign to support teachers - 28 April 2010
• Labour's Castle Point candidate backs the World Cup 2018 bid - 21 April 2010
• Castle Point Labour candidate will speak up for local pubs - 20 April 2010