Tackling potholes

23rd April, 2024

A picture of a pot hole on the Smith's estate Witney fixed following Cllr Coles' intervention

County only gets a third of what is needed to fix potholes, and borrows another third. Even with extra cash in this year’s budget we are not funded by the government to do the job people rightly expect – after harsh cold snaps this Christmas our crews are working valiantly to fix our roads, but we need a change of government to do the job properly, not Conservative cuts and austerity. According to the Pothole Tracker Survey (commissioned by KwikFit) the cost of pothole damage to British drivers and riders is calculated at £1.7 billion in 2022, up 35% from the previous year. And then there’s the personal and financial costs (eg to the NHS) when cyclists and motorcyclists have been unnecessarily injured crashing into potholes

Labour has pledged to move to multi-year funding settlements to help local authorities plan better and ensure money is directed to the areas in most need. Potholes are damaging cars and slowing down journeys, and in the end, individual drivers and their families have to pick up the tab for repairs.

Andrew Coles, Witney Central says “I’m really pleased that 3 horrendous pot holes I reported, and have been monitoring, on Smiths estate – 2 on Fettiplace Road and 1 on Windrush Valley Road – have at last been repaired this week. A massive relief to everyone. I will always speak up for my community and help get things done. In 2010, your Labour government was spending approximately £4billion a year to keep our roads in good order. As soon as the Tory/LibDem coalition came in they cut that. The Conservative government is currently spending barely half that. I’m pleased that Labour councillors at the county council successfully argued for an additional £5million for road maintenance in the county’s budget for 2024/25. Rishi Sunak recently promised more funding for councils for pothole repairs over the next two years. Let’s hope it’s not too long in coming, as we urgently need the repairs here in Witney. I will continue to campaign for the repairs and improvements, and hold the Tories to account.”

Councillor Andrew Coles picking up litter

The Witney Land Army founded by Councillor Vicky Gwatkin has been carrying out regular litter picks, as have various councillors including Andrew Coles (pictured) across town.

Councillor Duncan Enright with "Mr Pothole"

Councillor Duncan Enright walks his area reporting potholes and pavement greenery on a regular basis, and ran a “sponsored run” to highlight the problem with potholes, leading to some improvement (though they come back every winter!) He is pictured with national campaigner “Mr Pothole”.