A taxi driver who has been asking for something to be done about the state of Stevenage’s roads for two years has criticised those responsible for ‘letting the town go to pot’.
The Comet reported more than a year ago how Dee Baser had first contacted Herts County Council about problem roads in the town in June 2013, but nothing had been done.
Another year down the line, Dee says the problem is getting worse.
“What’s the point of reporting something when nothing gets done? People’s safety is at risk,” she said.
Roads Dee says are particularly bad include Sish Lane, Bandley Rise and Bedwell Crescent.
She says some roads are in such a poor state of repair that they are dangerous to motorists.
Dee’s dad, Tony Baser of York Road in Stevenage, rides a motorbike and she says he has to avoid certain roads because they are a death trap for motorcyclists.
The roundabout which links Broadhall Way and Monkswood Way, for instance, has a deep groove all the way around it. “He has to avoid using it,” said Dee.
“We all pay our road tax. He shouldn’t have to avoid certain roads.
“We are also trying to promote the football club, and it doesn’t look good when the road outside isn’t safe.
“It’s disgusting. I think they must walk around with their eyes shut, or they sit behind their desks doing nothing, but if enough of us complain they will have to do something.
“Stevenage could be so much nicer, but they are letting it go to pot.”
Road resurfacing was carried out in Benstede in Stevenage earlier this month, but Geoff Millman – who lives in the street – believes a three-year-old could have done a better job of the works, which also included Mandeville.
He added: “The roads are an absolute disgrace. They haven’t even covered the original surface in some parts. It’s uneven and they haven’t done around the drains properly.
“In one part there’s a three-inch drop between the original road and the new surface. It’s a botched job.
“It’s not dangerous yet, but I think when it’s colder at the end of the year it could really turn into a dangerous spot.
“They did the work in two days, but it was two days wasted in my opinion. It’s a waste of the money we pay to the council.”
The Comet repeatedly asked Herts County Council’s maintenance contractor Ringway for comment but had not received a response at the time of going to press.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here