Date set for potholes repairs on Stevenage’s ‘most dangerous road’

Zebra crossing damage on Broadwater Crescent (Image: Archant)

Roebuck and Marymead Residents’ Group launched a petition last month after continued complaints dating back to April about the state of the road and crossings in Broadwater Crescent, Stevenage.

Once the 500-signature petition had been submitted, the group’s chairman, Jean Day, received a letter from Hertfordshire County Council which said the road would have to be closed for permanent repairs to be carried out by maintenance contractor Ringway, with October the expected completion date.

Mrs Day, who met with fellow residents last week to discuss the letter, said: “We are pleased it is happening but we really would like it to be before October. We are not happy but if the road has to be closed then what can we do.”

Mrs Day also said she had contacted the county council again about the zebra crossing near Gladstone Court as she considered it was still “dangerous” and has been promised work will be carried out by Tuesday.

“If there is no improvement in the next week I will be back on to them,” she said.

Cllr John Lloyd, who represents the Roebuck ward for Stevenage Borough Council and is also a Stevenage county councillor, described Broadwater Crescent as “the most dangerous road in Stevenage”.

Sherma Batson, Stevenage county councillor for Broadwater, has been in contact with the residents’ group following the petition and asked for “patience”.

She said: “All the potholes will be dealt with but there are processes it has to go through.

“Of course people would like it to be sooner and it seems a long way away but in terms of planning procedure it is not. There has to be a notice to close the road. It is on a bus route and would affect deliveries to the two chemists, so you can’t just close it.

“The good news is that the group’s petition was successful. This is a really good example of people getting together and getting things done.”