Hole lot of bother

Landlord Julian Taylor at the hole on the junction with Church Road-Church Lane Uppermill, his pub and Saddleworth Parish Church in the background

Landlord threatens to fill it in himself

AN angry pub landlord is threatening to fill a hole in the road which he claims is putting locals at risk and affecting his business.

Julian Taylor, a father of four, who runs the Church Inn in Uppermill, says the hole at the junction of Church Lane-Church Road has caused traffic and safety problems during the snow.

The hole, surrounded by barriers, has been the scene of two accidents where cars have unwittingly driven in to it and brewery delivery trucks have had problems gaining access to the 18th century pub.

Mr Taylor (42) said: “It’s been a nightmare over the last few weeks. I know the council is hard-pressed because of the weather, but the hole has been a menace.

“It sits right on this busy junction and is causing major access problems — not just to my pub but a hamlet nearby.

“I have told the council I will fill the hole in myself unless it does something.

“There is hardly enough room for me to get my own vehicles in and out, never mind the big brewery delivery wagons.”

He said the biggest problem is the hole is covered with a sheet of plywood which gets blown by winds or moved by traffic.

“There should be a substantial sheet of metal covering the hole,” he said. “As it is, cars have driven in to the hole because the wood was covered in snow.

“The plywood cover is not strong enough to take the weight of any kind of vehicle. I am planning to see my insurance company to make a claim against the council for the problems caused.

“I accept the weather has been horrible but the position of the road works itself outstanding should make the repair work a priority.”

A council spokesman said workmen have been replacing a damaged culvert at the junction. “We will get on to the case immediately,” he added.