Council vows to tackle pothole problem

The heavy rain has contributed to road repair problems with over 500 potholes across East Sussex reported to the County Council since Christmas Eve, including a number in the Rye and Battle area.

Council road bosses say they are doing all they can to tackle the big potholes and programme in the less severe problems into the authority’s work schedule.

Councillor Carl Maynard, lead member for transport and environment, said: “Over the last two years, we’ve resurfaced over 200km or 124 miles of roads in East Sussex.

“That’s equivalent to resurfacing a road all the way from Lewes to Bristol.

“This year alone we’ve spent £19.5m on road resurfacing. But even with this level of investment we will still get additional problems occurring when severe weather hits us.

“We’re sending extra work gangs out to repair the most serious potholes as soon as they are reported. We have to prioritise our work - so the largest holes on the busiest routes will be at the top of our list.”

The council is asking road users and pedestrians to help by reporting any potholes they find.

Cllr Maynard said: “We do inspect our roads but it’s always a huge help to have the eyes and ears of the people who travel these routes every day.

“You can report a pothole or any other fault on the County Council’s website at: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/contactus/reportaproblem or let us know by phone on 0345 60 80 193.”