Road is deemed a ‘danger’ by residents

The surface of Test Road is riddled with cracks and potholes, which villages have called dangerous.

Test Road resident Sally Allfrey said: “Outside my mum’s house the road has cracked and there are a few big holes in the Tarmac.”

And another of the road’s residents, David Atherfold, said: “The surface has been bad for several years and is obviously getting worse as it wears, and is dangerous – not only for car tyres, but also for cyclists and motorcyclists.”

Concerns have been raised by both a Sompting Parish Councillor and an Adur District Councillor to West Sussex County Council’s highways department.

Chris Sevante of Sompting Parish Council, said: “Test road has been brought to their attention on many occasions over the last few years.”

And disctrict councillor Carson Albury said the road was in serious need of resurfacing in a few places.

He added: “There is a thin layer of Tarmac on top of what appears to be concrete.

“When it rains and there is a lot of traffic the thin layer of tarmac is gradually coming off the surface below.

“I lodged an official complaint and was told that it would be looked into.”

However, a spokesman for the county council said the condition of Test Road, although unsightly, was not dangerous. He said: “The concrete underneath the Tarmac is sound and is not affected by the superficial damage to the surface of the road.

“We will continue to monitor the condition and safety of the road and will carry out localised patching and repairs where needed.

“If the surface of the road deteriorates significantly more we will of course consider resurfacing the road.”

Mr Albury added that he will follow up the county council in a couple of weeks if no action is taken.