Residents Face Century-Long Wait for Road Repairs
Homeowners on a pothole-riddled road in Oxfordshire have been told they might have to wait more than a century for proper repairs. The residents of Horsham Close in Banbury have endured crumbling tarmac and numerous potholes for decades, with some claiming the road has never been fully resurfaced.
Ian Bowyer, 66, and his wife Elaine, who have lived on the cul-de-sac for over 40 years, say they've never seen comprehensive repairs carried out. When they asked Oxfordshire County Council to address the issue, they received a shocking response.
Council Reveals Shocking Repair Timeline
According to the latest Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance survey (ALARM), the average road repair cycle is currently 103 years. This staggering timeline has left residents frustrated and concerned about safety.
Ian Bowyer described the situation as 'really bumpy, too bumpy' and expressed confusion about why other roads in the area receive attention while theirs doesn't. He finds the 103-year wait 'ridiculous' and believes nothing will change unless a serious accident occurs.
The council's cabinet member for transport acknowledged the problem stems from budgetary restrictions and described it as a national issue. A council spokesperson explained they must prioritize roads based on usage levels, with the main road linking the area, Sussex Drive, having been resurfaced several years ago.
Dangerous Conditions and Temporary Fixes
Other residents have voiced serious concerns about the road's dangerous condition. 76-year-old Dianne Hart said the bumpy surface 'takes the steering out of your hands' when driving.
Philip Smith, 79, a former grounds maintenance supervisor, criticized the temporary patch jobs that litter the road. He described how council workers repair around parked cars rather than asking owners to move them, resulting in what he calls a 'cheap and nasty job, not done properly.'
Local councillor Andrew Crichton has supported residents, describing the road as being in a 'parlous state' and desperately needing resurfacing. He questioned whether 42 years without proper maintenance was acceptable and requested Horsham Close be added to the resurfacing schedule.
The council has encouraged residents to report issues via Fix My Street with photographs, promising that defects can be 'actioned quickly' when properly documented.
