Worthing councillors reignite their war on potholes: ‘We’re declaring war on dodgy roads’

Liberal Democrats Bob Smytherman and Martin McCabe, who represent Tarring on Worthing Borough Council, ran a campaign against the potholes of West Worthing earlier this year, when wet weather brought disarray to the area’s highways.

Now, the pair have sprung back into action, incensed by a perceived lack of progress during lockdown.

Martin said: “We’re declaring war on dodgy roads in Worthing.

“We see missed opportunities with all these potholes. Why weren’t they filled during lockdown? Residents are furious.

“Ringmer Road is still littered with crater-sized potholes. The resurfacing just hasn’t been good enough. Taxpayers’ money is being wasted. But the council aren’t listening.

“Bob and I are redoubling our efforts and reporting as many potholes as we can. We urge everyone to do the same. We want the council to get a grip and get this sorted.”

A council spokesman said: “The Government steer to the construction sector during lockdown was ‘business as usual’, with added COVID-19 safety guidance, so maintenance work continued on West Sussex’s highways.

“In the first three months after a new contract started on April 1, and despite the extra challenges COVID-19 presents, our contractor carried out more than 9,100 pothole/carriageway defect repairs and emergency jobs in West Sussex.

“If residents are concerned about a pothole, the best way to report this is via our online reporting tool – go to our website at www.westsussex.gov.uk and search for “report a pothole”. Our highways officers will then investigate and update the resident via this online route.”