Resurfacing of ‘dangerous’ Stevenage road set to be brought forward after mounting pressure for action

Stevenage councillor Robin Parker in Chells Way, which is littered with potholes. (Image: Archant)

Dozens of people have been complaining about the poor condition of Chells Way in Stevenage on social media, as well as contacting the Comet to express their concerns.

A number are worried the potholes and crumbling road surface could lead to a serious accident.

Half the resurfacing work was due to take place in 2016/17 and half in 2017/18, but this has now been brought forward to the week commencing April 25 this year, when the work is expected to be completed in full.

Herts County Council member Robin Parker, who represents the Chells division, has been campaigning to get the road resurfaced for about two years.

He said: “Frankly, the road surface is so poor and dangerous now that the council should roll up their sleeves and get the machinery in there tomorrow and just do the job, before the ruts and pits in the surface cause a dangerous accident.

“It is particularly dangerous to road users on two wheels, apart from being uncomfortable to drive on, and it looks a shambles. I saw better roads in Senegal and Sierra Leone than this.”

He added: “It still depends on the council’s budget meeting next week agreeing the works programme, and on no other more urgent jobs being taken first, so I will not rest until it is actually done for its whole length – from Fairlands Way to Six Hills Way.”

Terry Douris, who oversees highways for the county council, said: “Hertfordshire’s 3,000 miles of roads are amongst the busiest in the country. This inevitably results in some defects.

“Despite huge financial pressures, we are continuing to invest heavily in our roads. We are spending more than ever before on repairs as part of our on-going commitment to maintain and improve our roads to ensure they are as safe and well maintained as possible.”

You can report any highways faults online at hertsdirect.org/highwayfaults.