Village ‘pots’ are panned

Reporter: Ken Bennett
Date published: 30 January 2015


Oldham’s only woman independent councillor is seeking a pledge to deal with pothole problems on Saddleworth’s side roads and lanes.

Councillor Nicola Kirkham says these routes are often the only access to residents living in isolated homes scattered across the hillsides.

And she is backed by Geoff Bailey, chair of Saddleworth White Rose Society, who highlights problems at Thurston Clough Lane, which links Scouthead to Delph.

“The lane is almost impassable,” says Councillor Kirkham. “Some roads in Saddleworth are in a very sorry state.

“I’m sympathetic that money has to stretch across the borough on maintenance and repairs. But, on the other side of the coin, there are signs across the borough of a 24 hour promise to repair potholes on major roads is in place.

“Can Oldham pledge these issues will be dealt with sooner rather than later?” she asks.

An Oldham Council spokesman said highway inspectors regularly check all adopted roads and footpaths.

Response times vary depending upon the size, depth and location of the pothole and whether or not it is causing a danger to the public.

Commenting on Thurston Clough Road he said: “We have checked our records and there were around 15 reports of potholes.

“There were a number received around June and July and these were repaired in August. The last report received was on December 12 with repairs completed by January 4.”

“We have had no record of any reports received this month,” he added.

Recently, Oldham Council revealed in a freedom of information request to local authorities, the borough had a current road repair bill worth £60million — one of the highest in England.

And the council is set to receive one of the lowest funding allocations in Greater Manchester as part of the Government’s £6billion fund to help local authorities tackle potholes over the next six years - just over £12.7 million.