Crumbling roads and paths a minefield for drivers and pedestrians
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Is this the most potholed street in Gravesham?
A mass of cracked, broken and crumbling tarmac, drivers using
Saddington Street in Gravesend are having to creep around the
craters.
The junction, which links the town centre’s one-way system with
The Grove, Edwin Street and Peacock Street, is one of a growing
number of Gravesham streets breaking up under the strain of the
cold snap.
Kent County Council has agreed to spend at least £1 million on
sorting out the problems caused by the prolonged cold snap but said
this week it would not be able to start a full programme of repairs
until April.
KCC
leader Cllr Paul
Carter said: "You’ve got to do it when the weather’s right. You’ve
got to wait for the frost to subside and for the water table to
subside."
Repairs are being carried out ahead of the more permanent works
but are being done on a 'fix and find’ approach with crews working
in areas with the greatest need.
KCC
has spent almost
£250,000 in the last four years on compensation to people whose
cars have been damaged by potholes.
The figure paid out has increased
year-on-year from £25,187.40 in 2006 to £83,903.72 last year. It
remains unclear how many requests for compensation have been turned
down.
And it isn’t just potholes causing a problem for residents.
One Gravesham pensioner says she is seeking compensation after
tripping on a cracked pavement.
Barbara Cook was left with a number of injuries, including a
cracked rib, after tripping on cracked paving slabs in Astra
Drive, Gravesend.
To report a fault, call Kent Highway Services on 0845 824 7800,
visit www.kent.gov.uk/highways or
email kenthighwayservices@kent.gov.uk
Are there potholes or cracked pavements driving you potty in
your street? Let the Messenger newsdesk know by emailing details
and any pictures you have to gravesendmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk,
write to 7 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 OBQ or phone the
newsdesk on 01474 564327.
Thursday, February 25 2010
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