Not wheelie a hole lot of danger — council

BUMPY ride . . . potholes in Hollins Road, Hollinwood, one of the pothole-plagued roads around Oldham

Cyclists’ pothole claims denied

OLDHAM Council has hit back at claims that its roads are the second worst in Greater Manchester.

CTC, the national cycling organisation, says that Oldham ranks 172 of 212 authorities in a national league for its reponse in mending reported potholes.

Residents have reported the worst roads are Hollins Road, in Oldham, and Grimshaw Lane, Chadderton.

According to CTC figures, of 79 reports made since January, 2007, only 19 per cent were repaired, putting Oldham’s roads above bottom-placed Rochdale in Greater Manchester.

But Oldham Council claims the figures from the CTC’s fillthathole website do not give the latest picture of how good it is at repairing holes.

CTC’s Chris Peck said that road defects are an annoyance for drivers and pose a significant risk for cyclists.

He added: “We handle the legal cases of many cyclists injured in pothole-related crashes each year and compensation claims are rising.

“Local authorities are failing to meet their obligations to maintain safe and comfortable roads for everyone.

“I’d urge everyone who knows about a bad bit of road or pothole to let the council know directly using the fillthathole.org.uk website or iPhone app.”

Elaine McLean, executive director of economy, place and skills at Oldham Council, said: “What is not shown is that in 2010, Oldham Council received 1,943 calls and as a result successfully dealt with a total of 5,868 potholes.

“Oldham Council is committed to dealing with potholes as quickly as possible and highway inspectors regularly check all roads and footpaths for all defects.”

The recent bad weather is thought to be responsible for the appearance of more potholes.

Anyone who comes across a pothole can report it to the council stating where it is, approximate size and depth to 0161-770 1685 or email: pothole.mole@oldham.gov.uk.