Council accused of failing Milton Keynes motorists over pothole repairs

That’s the claim from Tory councillors who are questioning how the city’s Labour-led council has used its share of the Government’s Pothole Action Fund over the past two years.

Ring-fenced funding worth £228,000 has been given to MK Council since 2016.

The money is enough to pay for 8,500 potholes to be filled in, say the Tories,

“But in the same period the council has confirmed it has only fixed 6400 potholes - leaving a huge gap of more than 2,000 holes waiting to be filled,” said Stantonbury ward councillor Alex Walker.

He said opposition Councillors and residents have been growing frustrated in recent months as winter conditions have made the situation on the roads worse.

The news also comes amid the council’s cost-cutting plans to scrap the 28-day maximum timeframe to fix potholes. This means there will be more potholes left for longer periods.

Mr Walker said: “It is outrageous that the Council wants to abandon 28-day repair times for potholes when it has a huge backlog already. This will be a disaster. They clearly haven’t spent all funding from Government, so they have the money to keep this in place.”

Westcroft resident Jenny Richards (pictured) said: “Many estate roads in our area are in a bad state with large pot holes. They seem to never get fixed and cars can easily be damaged if they don’t see them, especially in the dark. I wonder what my Council Tax is being spent on? I worry it will be on insurance claims as the roads get worse.”

Council leader Pete Marland denied pothole budget cuts and said the council was continuing to invest more cash in repairs.

“Overall, MK roads are in better shape than most places,” he said.

Drivers can report potholes online via Milton Keynes Council’s website. all reports are investigated, says the council, but no action will be taken to fix potholes less than 50mm deep. They strive to make a temporary repair to potholes more than 75mm within hours and permanently fix them with 28 days.