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LAMBETH: Potholes are 'not a Lambeth problem'

Despite claims British motorists are paying through the roof to fix damages inflicted by potholes, Lambeth Council insists the nuisance craters are not a problem in the borough.

A recent report from insurer Warranty Direct states motorists pay £320million every year in pothole damages across the UK, but said local authorities only spend about a tenth of this repairing the roads needing attention.

And the Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance report said there is a £1billion shortfall to bring the nation's roads up to scratch.

But despite the national crisis, Labour-led Lambeth Council claims the borough's roads are in order and dismissed having a pothole problem.

Sally Prentice, Cabinet member for environment said: "Our local roads are a priority as we know they are a priority for residents. There is a good service in Lambeth - roads are inspected regularly and resident reports are inspected within 24 hours, then repaired from 24 hours to 28 days later depending on the urgency.

"Many Streatham residents complain to me about potholes and say they avoid roads with them."
Ashley Lumsden

"The budget for repairs is demand-driven meaning that the council pays what is needed in order to maintain the roads and is not capped at a certain limit," she added.

A council spokeswoman said road inspections take place every four months and confirmed there were no plans to reduce the frequency of the service.

But Liberal Democrat Councillor Ashley Lumsden said roads used to be inspected every three months and claimed more money was spent on repairing the roads under the former Lib Dem and Conservative administration.

"The council cutting back on spending will cause more pain for motorists and is dangerous for cyclists, who can be knocked off their bikes when encountering a pothole," he said.

"Many Streatham residents complain to me about potholes and say they avoid roads with them. As soon as one is fixed, another appears. The council is losing the battle with potholes."

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    11:44am Wednesday 16th April 2008

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