Residents of Sutton St James are feeling increasingly neglected as they grapple with the deteriorating state of their local roads. Bill Harrison, a frustrated villager, has taken it upon himself to highlight the shocking condition of a one-mile stretch of road that he claims contains a staggering 93 potholes. His concerns have been reported by LincsOnline - Spalding News, showcasing the plight of those living in what he describes as a ‘forgotten part of Lincolnshire’.
Harrison has been vocal about the issues plaguing roads such as Old Fendyke, Broadgate, and the B1165, which he believes are not only dangerous but also detrimental to the local economy. He has reached out to Lincolnshire County Council multiple times, expressing his dissatisfaction with the repairs that have been carried out. According to him, the council's approach lacks strategy and planning, leaving rural roads in a state of disrepair.
"We are a forgotten part of Lincolnshire," Harrison lamented. He has been actively engaging with local officials, including county councillor Neil Carey, and has utilized the Fix My Street website to report the numerous potholes. However, he finds the system limiting, as it only allows for three photos per report, which means he would need to submit multiple reports just to cover the extent of the damage he has documented.
One particularly concerning case involves a 95-year-old neighbour of Harrison's, who has stopped using her mobility scooter on Old Fendyke due to fears of it overturning on the uneven surface. This highlights the real impact that these road conditions have on the safety and mobility of residents.
Harrison has also criticized the quality of repairs conducted by the county council, noting that workers have merely placed surfacing materials over cracks without properly sealing or addressing the underlying issues. He described these repairs as a waste of money, stating, "It is just laughable. They just slap some surfacing on it and use a whackplate, and that is it."
In addition to his local efforts, Harrison has reached out to Greater Lincolnshire Mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns, who has authority over transport and economic development, to draw attention to the situation. Unfortunately, his letter was redirected back to the county council, leaving him feeling frustrated and unheard.
The ongoing deterioration of these roads raises significant concerns about the economic viability of Sutton St James and surrounding areas. Harrison questions, "Who in their right mind would start a business in this part of the country with the roads in this condition?" He believes that the damage to vehicles caused by these potholes adds unnecessary costs for commuters and hampers local economic growth.
As this situation continues to unfold, residents are left wondering what steps will be taken to improve their roads and whether their voices will be heard by those in power.
This issue of road maintenance is not just a local concern but a reflection of how rural communities are often overlooked. How can residents come together to advocate for better road conditions in their area?