Potholes galore despite green rating for road works

COUNCILLOR SAYS THERE'S STILL WORK TO BE DONE

- By DANIEL HODGSON

Cllr David Coupe's foot as a measurement reference for one of the worst potholes on Strait Lane Mayor Chris Cooke (right) filling a pothole and Cllr Peter Gavigan (centre) watching on in North Ormesby

MIDDLESBROUGH’S approach to dealing with potholes has been rated green - but not everyone is happy.

Conservative Councillor David Coupe showed The Gazette around part of his Stainton & Thornton ward to see potholes galore, just as the town has been positively recognised by a new national system measuring how councils look after their roads.

The Department for Transport has graded local highway authorities across England, awarding them green, amber or red ratings based on the condition of their roads and how effectively they are judged to be spending a record national funding pot.

In spite of his frustration, Cllr Coupe did praise the council and described it as “proactive” when discussing potholes, but he spoke about the state of the roads being the problem.

While in Stainton, Cllr Coupe said there must be 50 potholes on Strait Lane, which is a road that passes through the centre of the village.