RESIDENTS in Rudheath have had enough of potholes plaguing their streets – and are calling on the council to fix the problem once and for all.

Agecroft Road residents have been swerving about their street to avoid the estimated 30 potholes which have resurfaced time and time again over the past two years.

Andrew Hancock, parish councillor for Rudheath, said: “It’s an absolute joke that these potholes are causing a problem for residents after so many years of complaining to the council and there are roads being repaired that are minor in comparison to some of the craters we have up Agecroft Road.

“A resident has been keeping a log of all the council responses received and we have a file that’s almost six inches thick with our complaints and their knock-backs.”

Nearby Gadbrook Road has recently been resurfaced, and residents believe the council’s priorities are ‘out of order’.

Cars are becoming damaged because of the potholes when residents parking in their driveways.

Cabinet member for environment, Cllr Karen Shore said: “Repairs are normally carried out with hot materials in average temperatures. During cold weather this means temporary repairs are made with temporary material keeping the network serviceable and drivers safe.

“We are aware of residents’ concerns about the condition of Agecroft Road, and are working to maintain the road until a permanent solution can be found. Inspections will continue and any identified defects will be repaired in line with our policy.”

Potholes are caused when water seeps through cracks in the road caused by passing vehicles.

During periods of cold weather - like in recent weeks - the water freezes and expands, causing more cracks, weakening the road surface and creating gaps under it. Wear from traffic then deepens the hole, with some potholes developing in 24 hours.

With the problem on the rise, almost half a million pounds has been awarded to Cheshire West and Chester Council to help its war on the numerous potholes in Northwich.

According to Cllr Hancock, the potholes have been repaired by council workers in the past, but have since resurfaced, and residents are looking for a more permanent solution to the problem.

He said: “The roads aren’t being repaired properly and loose bits that come away from the road from these patchwork jobs could cause even more damage, like hitting a window or even a passing pedestrian. The situation needs sorting as soon as possible.”

Cllr Sam Naylor, who is on Northwich Town Council, is quoted in the Guardian in January saying that Agecroft Road in Rudheath was ‘falling apart’ and was one of the worst roads in need of repair.

n Have you got a problem with potholes where you live? Send a picture and details to andrew.nuttall@nqnw.co.uk

CWAC’s ‘Your Streets’ website - westcheshireyourstreets.co.uk/road-care-scheme- can be used to report potholes.