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MP calls for action after report shows county has some of the worst highways in England
July 16, 2012 12:54 PM
South Lakes MP Tim Farron has called for action after news came to light that Cumbria has the most decrepit roads in the North West and in the top 10 worst highways in England.
Thirty-four per cent of roads show "some deterioration" and require investigation, while 10 per cent show "considerable deterioration" and will need treatment in the next 12 months, according to a recent survey.
That compares with national averages of 25 per cent and five per cent respectively.
The survey has been compiled by the trade union GMB using figures from the Department for Transport. TheCarlisle-based county council had hived off road maintenance to an outside contractor, Amey, but took back responsibility last year, claiming it was more efficient to carry out the work itself. Previously it took on average over 200 days to deal with a single highways issue.
Tim has today pledged to do a day as a highways steward and asked Council Leader Eddie Martin to join him. Tim hopes that spending a day with the leader fixing pot holes in theSouthLakesandEdenValleywould show the County Council the real need to create a plan to fix the highways once and for all and not just constantly patch the roads.
Tim said: "Sadly this report highlights what we already knew, that Cumbria's roads are atrocious and that serious remedial actions are required. I hope that Eddie will join me on a day with a highways team, see their work, and then commit funds and support to try and finally deal with the state of the roads in South Lakeland and Eden."