FLINTSHIRE’S pothole problem needs solving before a serious accident takes place.
That is the warning from community leaders and residents who have hit out at the number of potholes on the county’s streets and car parks.
Flintshire Council says it is addressing the problem with a £1.8 million resurfacing programme.
Buckley councillor Arnold Woolley, a former leader of Flintshire Council, is urging the authority to make resurfacing a priority.
He fears a serious collision could be caused by potholes or that Flintshire Council could be inundated with compensation claims for injuries or damage to vehicles if it does not act now.
“It is bad enough hitting a pothole on four wheels,” he said.
“But on a bicycle or motorbike I fear we could have a tragedy on our hands.
“Also, what happens if an elderly person puts their foot into one of these?”
Cllr Woolley believes a major example of the problem is the Precinct car park, Buckley, where he showed the Leader the dozens of potholes that have emerged.
“This is our largest car park in Buckley,” he said.
“I have never known the situation to be as bad as this in my time as a councillor.
“I have received complaints from people who say their cars have been damaged by the potholes.
“But the issue is not about Buckley but Flintshire as a whole.”
He is now urging Flintshire Council to focus on resolving the problem before it becomes inundated with complaints.
“It has to be a priority,” he said.
“If it goes on and on then the cost to the county is going to become significant.
“Doing the job properly is essential.”
Cllr Woolley said he could sympathise with the council’s position, as a cold winter and heavy rainfall were likely to have contributed to the widespread problem.
Other areas highlighted by Cllr Woolley for concern include Rose Lane, near Mold.
Leader readers have come forward and named their own pothole ‘hot spots’.
Areas singled out include Mold Road and Wepre Lane, Connah’s Quay; the Coast Road, near Flint; Wood Lane, Hawarden; the main Penyffordd to Broughton road; and Sandy Lane, Saltney.
Writing on our Leader Live Facebook page, Tracy Jayne White said she had sustained three buckled tyres due to potholes.
She wrote: “They need to sort them out all over Flintshire or next time they can have my tyre bill.”
Sean ‘Seannaayy’ Robins complained about the condition of roads in the county.
He added: “I pay more than £200 a year to tax my car and the roads are a joke.”
Flintshire Council says work is being carried out to resurface roads in the county.
Steve Jones, head of Streetscene, said: “Maintaining the highway infrastructure is important to the council and in the last month we have announced a major road resurfacing programme across Flintshire, which is worth approximately £1.8m.
“The winter weather inevitably causes potholes to form and area supervisors are regularly inspecting the roads with Streetscene teams available to carry out reactive pothole maintenance when required.
“Any resident wishing to report potholes can contact Streetscene on 01352 701234."