Halstead residents waiting more than a year for pothole fix

Chris Howard, 55, says the residents of Courtauld Close in Halstead are having to swerve around the potholes, some of which are up to six inches deep.

Mr Howard, who has lived in Halstead for five years, first reported the three potholes to Essex County Council and Essex Highways in May last year.

However, more than a year later, Mr Howard says he is still waiting for a resolution.

Pictures: Chris Howard (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “The road surface is horrendous. I have reported it to them seven times and each time they say it has been added to their work programme but there is no date for when it will be done.

“Everyone who lives here is either elderly or disabled and most residents are in their late eighties or early nineties.

“We have been waiting one year and I have outlined to them the demographics, but they just seem to be ignoring it.

“Drivers have to swerve around them, we should be able to drive in a straight line.

“The crows even pick up bread from the lawns and dip their food in the rainwater - they’re turning into bird baths.

“The deepest is six inches. It would cause significant damage."

Mr Howard claims Halstead is being "sidelined" by Highways compared to other towns such as Braintree.

He said: “The best outcome would be if Essex County Council stops sidelining Halstead residents and starts paying attention to our side roads and gives a proper realistic time reply.

“Halstead just gets forgotten about - I’m 100 per cent of that belief. We get sidelined for everything.”

But a spokesman for Essex Highways said: “This road underwent a safety inspection in August and although some defects were recorded, none were risk assessed as being dangerous or requiring immediate action.

“These defects have been logged and will be considered for repair as part of a planned maintenance programme in the future.

“We will continue to carry out regular inspections and anything that deteriorates will be reassessed and reprioritised if necessary.”